best tour de france mountain stages

The 12 most famous mountain passes of Le Tour de France

The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and gruelling sporting events in the world. Every year, the best cyclists from all over the globe come to France to compete in this iconic race. And while the race has changed a lot since its inception over a hundred years ago, one thing remains the same: the challenge of biking up mountain passes.

In this blog post, we list 12 of the most famous mountain passes of Le Tour de France. From the Col du Galibier to the Col de la Loze, these are some of the most daunting and beautiful sections of the race.

Col de la Bonette-Restefond

The Col de la Bonette-Restefond is one of the most iconic mountain passes of the Tour de France. It's located in the French Alps and has an elevation of 2,802 meters. The Col de la Bonette-Restefond is often considered to be one of the most difficult stages of the Tour de France, due to its high elevation and steep grades. The Col de la Bonette-Restefond first appeared in the Tour de France in 1922 and has been included in a total of 18 Tours. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for road cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. If you're looking for a challenge, tackle the Col de la Bonette-Restefond on your next road cycling adventure!

Col du Galibier

The Col du Galibier is one of the most famous mountain passes in the Tour de France. It is located in the French Alps and is often considered to be one of the most difficult stages of the race. The Col du Galibier was first used in the Tour de France in 1911 and has been included in the race almost every year since. The Col du Galibier is 21km long and has an average gradient of 7.5%. The highest point of the pass is 2,642m above sea level. The Col du Galibier is usually climbed from the south side, starting in the town of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. The climb is relatively gentle for the first 12km before it starts to get steeper. There are a few brief flat sections but these are generally followed by steep gradients again. The Col du Galibier has been used in some memorable moments in Tour de France history. In 2011, Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France after he attacked on the Col du Galibier and took the lead from Andy Schleck. In 2013, Chris Froome also won on the Col du Galibier after attacking his rivals on the final climb to take victory.

Col d'Izoard

The Col d'Izoard is one of the most famous mountain pass of the Tour de France. It is located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The pass is 2,360 meters (7,740 ft) high and was first used in the Tour de France in 1922. The Col d'Izoard is a popular destination for road cyclists and has been featured in several notable races, including the Criterium du Dauphine and the Tour de l'Avenir. The pass has also been used in the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia.

Col de la Madeleine

The Col de la Madeleine is one of the most famous mountain passes in the Tour de France. It is located in the Savoie region of France and is part of the Alps mountain range. The pass has been used in the Tour de France a total of 33 times, first appearing in the race in 1950. The most recent appearance was in 2014, when Vincenzo Nibali won stage 14 after attacking on the descent from the Col de la Madeleine. The Col de la Madeleine is a long and difficult climb, with an average gradient of 7.5%. There are two main routes to the summit, both of which are over 20km in length. The eastern approach is shorter but steeper, while the western approach is longer but with a gentler gradient. Whichever route is taken, the Col de la Madeleine is sure to test even the strongest riders in the Tour de France peloton.

Col du Mollard

The Col du Mollard is a mountain pass in the French Alps. It is located in the Savoie department, between the villages of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Mont-de-Lans. The col du Mollard is one of the most famous mountain passes of Le Tour de France because it has been used many times in the race, most recently in 2013. The Col du Mollard is 2,638 meters (8,661 feet) high and is usually open from June to October. The road that goes over the pass is narrow and winding, with many switchbacks. There are often strong winds at the top of the pass. When cyclists reach the top of the Col du Mollard, they are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Côte de Montvernier

The Côte de Montvernier is a 6.9 kilometer long climb in the French Alps, with an average gradient of 7.4%. It is located in the Savoie département, and its summit is at 1,600 meters above sea level. The Côte de Montvernier was first included in the Tour de France in 1911, and it has been used a total of 27 times since then. The Côte de Montvernier is one of the most difficult climbs in the Tour de France, due to its length and steepness. It is often considered to be one of the decisive stages of the race, as it can make or break a rider's chances of winning. The climb typically comes near the end of the race, when riders are already tired from several weeks of racing. In recent years, the Côte de Montvernier has been used as a launchpad for attacks by riders looking to take the overall lead in the race. In 2011, eventual winner Cadel Evans used the Côte de Montvernier to attack his rivals and take the yellow jersey. In 2015, Nairo Quintana used a similar strategy on the Côte de Montvernier to take the lead from Chris Froome and win that year's Tour de France.

Côte de Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte

The Côte de Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte is a mountain pass in the Isère department of southeastern France. The road over the pass is the D1075. It connects Grenoble in the Isère Valley with Vizille in the Drac Valley. The Côte de Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte was used for the first time in the Tour de France in 1975. Since then, it has been used frequently, most recently in 2013. The climb is 8.3km long at an average gradient of 7.9%. The Côte de Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte is a popular climb for cyclists training for major races such as Le Tour de France and La Vuelta a España.

Col de la Ramaz

Le col de la Ramaz is a mountain pass in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France. The road over the col is the D902. It was first used in the Tour de France in 1949, and has been used regularly since then. At an elevation of 1,827 metres (5,978 ft), it is the highest point on the Col de la Ramaz. The pass is located between the villages of Morzine and Avoriaz, in the heart of the French Alps. The Col de la Ramaz was first used in the Tour de France in 1949, and has been used regularly since then. It was climbed by Fausto Coppi during his victorious stage 13 of that year's race. The Italian rider went on to win the Tour overall. The most recent Tour de France stage to finish at the top of the Col de la Ramaz was stage 18 of the 2011 edition, which was won by Jelle Vanendert of Belgium.

Le Mont Ventoux

One of the most famous mountain pass of Le Tour de France is undoubtedly Le Mont Ventoux. It's also known as "LE Géant de Provence.

This huge mountain looms over the Provence region in southern France and has been a regular fixture on the Tour de France route since 1951. 

The climb up to the summit is long, tough and very exposed to the elements, making it a real challenge for the riders. It is considered one of the most iconic stages of the race and always attracts huge crowds of fans.

Col du Tourmalet

The Col du Tourmalet is a classic mountain pass in Le Tour de France. The pass is located in the French Pyrenees and is 2,115 meters above sea level. The first rider to cross the finish line at the top of the Col du Tourmalet was Frenchman Pierre Chanteur in 1910. Since then, the Tourmalet has been featured 83 times in the Tour de France, more than any other climb. It was even included in this year's race, which took place from July 6-28. The Tourmalet is known for its difficulty; it's a long and arduous climb that can take its toll on even the strongest riders. But it's also one of the most scenic routes in all of cycling, with stunning views of the Pyrenees Mountains. Whether you're a fan of Le Tour or just a casual observer, there's no denying that the Col du Tourmalet is one of the most iconic mountain passes in all of cycling.

The Col de Sarenne (and the Alpe d’Huez)

The Col de Sarenne is is located in the French Alps and is known for its challenging routes and stunning scenery. The Col de Sarenne was first used in the Tour de France in 1902 and has been featured in the race numerous times since then. The most recent stage of the Tour de France that included the Col de Sarenne was Stage 18 in 2016. The Col de Sarenne is a long, and windy mountain pass with an average gradient of 7%. The road snakes its way up through forests and meadows before opening up into sweeping views of the Alps. The final stretch to the summit is particularly steep, with grades reaching up to 12%. Alpe d’Huez is another famous mountain pass of the Tour de France. It is located just below the Col de Sarenne and is also known for its challenging routes and stunning scenery. Alpe d’Huez was first used in the Tour de France in 1952 and has been featured in the race numerous times since then. The most recent stage of the Tour de France that included Alpe d’Huez was Stage 21 in 2017. Alpe d’Huez is shorter than the Col de Sarenne but it has a much steeper average gradient of 8.6%. The road winds its way up through forests and meadows before opening up into sweeping views of the Alps. The

Col du Grand Colombier

One of the most famous stages of Le Tour de France is the Col du Grand Colombier. The Col du Grand Colombier is a mountain pass located in the Savoie region of southeastern France. It is one of the highest mountain passes in the Alps, with an elevation of 1,532 m. The Col du Grand Colombier was first included in the Tour de France in 2012 and has been used regularly since then. It is often considered to be one of the toughest stages of the race due to its high elevation and steep grades. Cyclists who are able to conquer the Col du Grand Colombier are considered to be true champions of Le Tour de France.

In conclusion, there is a reason why Le tour de France is one of the toughest road cycling events in the world but also one  of the most beautiful.

These 12 mountain passes are the most famous, but they aren't the only iconic ones. Each one has their own unique challenges and is a great excuse to take your bike, head to France and start cycling up one of these beautiful uphill climbs.

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Climb list: legendary climbs of the tour de france (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more), statistics: view tutorial, total climbs: 116, top 100 world: 0, avg. fiets (top 5) : 12.8, sort by attribute:, zoom/pan map to discover additional climbs., pjamm trips adventure starter bundles, member comments.

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENT CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

10 FAMOUS TOUR DE FRANCE CLIMBS

See bottom of this page for list of all climbs included on this Legendary TdF Page.

©  PJAMMCycing.com

HISTORICAL TOUR DE FRANCE FACTS OF INTEREST

• Climb Most Often Featured in the Tour: Tourmalet - 84 times as of 2021

From Campan:  16.9 km gaining 1267m at 7.5% average grade.

From Luz Saint Sauveur:  18.7 km gaining 1319m at 7.1%.

• Highest Point Ever Reached in the Tour de France: Cime de la Bonette

Cime de la Bonette is 2,802 meters.

Stage 18 1962 (passed again in 1964, 1993 and 2008).

Top 5 high points of the Tour de France

Also see Top 10 Highest Points of the TdF

• Highest point of first TdF (1903):   Col de la République (1,161m).
• First Mountain Stage and climbs in the Tour de France:
• Stage 10 July 21, 1910 - Luchon to Bayonne
• 326 kilometers
• Circle of Death:  Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque
• On arriving at the top of Col d’Aubisque Octave Lapize (TdF 1910 winner) yelled to tour organizers what is variously reported as “murderers,” “assasins,” or “criminals.”  He also said he would quit the tour after descending to Laruns, but he rallied to complete the stage and go on to win the 1910 Tour de France.

Circle of Death

Tourmalet was the highest point the tour had ever reached as of 1910 (2115m)

Previous high point had been Col de Porte (1326m).

•  First mountain-top stage finish :  Alpe d’Huez (Dutch Mountain / The Alpe) was the first mountain-top finish in the history of the Tour de France in 1952, Stage 10.  
• Most TdF Wins:
• 5 Jacques Anquetil  (1957, 1961-1964)
• 5 Eddy Merckx  (1969-1972, 1974)
• Merckx has the most Grand Tour wins of anyone (11 - 5 TdF, 5 Giro, 1 Vuelta)
• 5 Bernard Hinault   (1978-1979, 1981-1982, 1985)
• Has the second most Grand Tour wins (10 - 5 TdF, 3 Giro, 2 Vuelta)
• 5 Miguel Indurain  (1991-1995)
• 4 Chris Froome :  (2013, 2015-2017)
• Most Days Wearing the Yellow Jersey:  
• 111 (Eddy Merckx)
• 79 (Bernard Hinault)
• 60 (Miguel Indurain)
• Most Stage Wins:  
• 34 (Eddy Merckx)
• 30 ( Mark Cavendish )
• 28 (Bernard Hinault)
• Most Stage Wins in a Single Tour:  
• 8 ( Charles Pélissier , 1930)
• 8 ( Merckx 1970, 1971)
• 8 (Freddy Maertens 1975)
• Most Times Atop the Podium   (top three TdF finish):  
• Raymond Poulidor  (8)
• Country Wearing the Yellow Jersey Most:  
• France (709)
• Belgium (434)

Frenchmen have been in the maillot jaune far more than any other country.  

• Winning TdF in First Appearance:
• 11 between 1903 - 1983 but none since Laurent Fignon  (1983), until 2020 and Tadej Pogačar  
• Youngest Winner of the Tour:  
• Henri Cornet (France, age 19) 1904
• Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, age 21) 2020
• Oldest TdF Winner:
• Firmin Lambot  (Belgium, age 36) 1922
• Most TdF Appearances:
• 18 Sylvain Chavenel (2001-2018 age 42; top finish 19 2009)
• King of the Mountains :  Mountain Classification victories (first recognized in 1933; jersey introduced 1975)

“Symbol of the mountains, of a rider pushing beyond their limits and of courage, the red polka dot jersey, which is sponsored by Carrefour, is awarded to the Tour de France’s leader of the best climber classification. Although this classification was introduced in 1933, its symbol, the polka dot jersey, appeared in 1975, which was also the year the Tour first finished on the Champs-Élysées and was won by Bernard Thévenet. It owes its appearance to track racing specialist Henri Lemoine, who competed between the 1930s and 1950s, and that Félix Lévitan, co-director of the Tour with Jacques Goddetwhich, had particularly noticed. While Belgium’s Lucien Van Impe was its first winner and claimed the mountains classification six times, just like his illustrious predecessor, Spain’s Federico Bahamontes, the so-called “Eagle of Toledo”, Frenchman Richard Virenque holds the record for victories with seven titles” ( Tour de France: Polka Dot Jersey ).  

• Richard Virenque : 7 - 1994-1997, 1999, 2003, 2004 (best tour finish #2 1997)
• Frederico Bahamontes  (six: 1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964; nine in Grand Tours)  
• Triples (none ever in the same year):   Frederico Bahamontes  and Louis Herrera .
• Doubles same year (TdF+Giro):   Fausto Coppi , Charly Gaul , Lucien Van Impe , Claudio Chaippucci

King of the Mountains is designated by the red polka dot jersey.

• Most Green Jerseys  (total points):
•  7 ( Peter Sagan )
• Most White Jerseys  (best young rider):
• 3 - Jan Ullrich  (1996-1998),
• 3 Andy Schleck  (2008-2010)
• Least Finishers:  
• Shortest Margin of Victory:  
• 8 seconds - Greg Lemond  over Laurent Fignon in 1989 (Lemond overcame 50 seconds in the final time trial using aero bars for the first time in the TdF).
• Greatest Margin of Victory:
• 2h49’21” in 1903 between Maurice Garin and Lucien Pothier .
• Country With Most Wins:
• France (36)
• Belgium (18)
• Britain (6)
• Luxembourg (5)

THE 5 MOST LEGENDARY CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

#1:   ALPE D’HUEZ

Alpe d’Huez Elevation Profile .

77.5% of the entire climb is at 5-10% average grade.

Steepest kilometer is 10.7%.

Alpe d’Huez is the most famous bike climb in the world and has been included in the Tour de France 30 times between 1952 and the 2022 TdF.

Ride 14 km gaining 1081m at 7.7% to 1801m

Photo clockwise from top left:

Start; Turn 21 (first turn); Turn 1 (last turn); finish; Turn 1 (center).

21 most famous hairpins in the world - 11.4 km at 8.4%.

Turn seven is the most famous of the Alpe d’Huez hairpins: Dutch Corner.

Dutch Corner is where cycling fans from the Netherlands congregate on the day the Tour de France comes to Alpe d’Huez for its inevitable exciting mountain top finish.  On this day and at this hairpin, the air is filled with loud European music, the smell of barbeque, and sounds of some of the greatest cycling fans in the world.  The tradition originates with Joop Zoetemeik who in 1976 became the first Dutchman to win the Alpe d’Huez stage.  Thereafter, Dutch riders won the next seven of twelve Alpe d’Huez finishes, but have not done so since Gert-Jan Theunisse in 1989 (Joop Zoetemelk 1976, 1979; Hennie Kuiper 1977, 1978; Peter Winnen 1981, 1983; Steven Rooks 1988 and Gert-Jan Theunisse 1989).

Bernard Hinault sealed his 5th Tour victory on Alpe d’Huez 1985

Photo: Bloomsburysports.com

Alpe d’Huez has become “the summit of the modern era,” and no other stage of the Tour de France has such presence.  With its 21 bends, steep ramps, and massive crowds, it has become the “Hollywood climb,” according to the ride’s official historian, Jacques Augendre.  Each year that this climb is included in the TdF, thousands of spectators flock to the area.  The massive crowds create what some participants in the ride have described as a feeling of both fear and exhilaration, and as French journalist Philippe Brunel described the look of the road during Marco Pantani’s victorious ascent in the 1995 race, “that thin ribbon of burning asphalt, covered in graffiti, between two deafening walls of spectators, which threaded between his wheels.” Alpe d’Huez has been included in the Tour de France 29 times between its first appearance in 1952 (including two appearances in 1979 and 2013).  Each of the 21 hairpins of this climb has been named after one or more of the winners of the 29 Tour de France stages to finish here.  Of note, the first stage up this exceptional climb was fittingly won by the incomparable climber Fausto Coppi .  Only three cyclists have won the Alpe d’Huez stage more than once: Marco Pantani  (1995, 1997), Gianni Bugno  (1990, 1991), and Hennie Kuiper  (1977, 1978).  

Fausto Coppi became the first stage winner of Alpe d’Huez - stage 10 1952 TdF.

YouTube video of Coppi win  

Photo: dw.com  - 10 most memorable moments on Alpe d’Huez

Likely the most famous and widely remembered and retold stories of Alpe d’Huez is from 1985 when, after two weeks battling each other, it appeared that Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault had reached a truce and that Hinault would achieve the glory of his fifth TdF without further challenge by Lemond. As the two rode up Alpe d’Huez, the Frenchman led and Lemond followed directly on his wheel.  The two passed through throngs of ecstatic French fans and the path grew more narrow as the two neared the climb finish.  In the end, the two embraced and Hinault moved slightly ahead of Lemond for his 26th Stage win, at the time placing him second all-time behind Eddy Merckx (34).  Hinault went on to win two more stages in his glorious career and is now third with 28 wins, behind Merckx and Mark Cavendish (30).

The exceptional Italian climber, Marco Pantani, holds three of the five fastest times up Alpe d’Huez, the fastest time is 37’35”.  

Marco Pantani near the finish on Alpe d’Huez

photo:   Hein Ciere

Alpe d’Huez was the stage for one of the most famous (infamous?) cycling moments of all time.  Alpe d’Huez was the final  climb of three on Stage 10 July 17, 2001 (Col dd Madeleine, Col du Glandon, Alpe d’Huez).  Lance Armstrong had dropped from 5:56 back after stage 7 to 35:43 back after a disastrous stage 8 which saw a freak breakaway won by Erik Dekker (s.t. Alto Gonzalez and Servais Knaven). Armstrong was 20:07 back after Stage 9 and his main rival that year, Jan Ullrich, was at 22:41 going into Stage 10.

Armstrong appeared weak on Col de Madeleine which led Uhllrich and his Team Telekom begin an insane sprint up Col du Glandon, leaving Armstrong barely(?) hanging on to the rear of this lead group.  However, just a couple kilometers up Alpe d’Huez and with 11 kilometers remaining, Armstrong surged to the front of the group, passed Uhlrich and then, in a moment of Tour lore, looked back (“ The Look ”) at Uhlrich, fixed his gaze on him momentarily, then put the hammer down and sprinted away (uphill) to victory and his 3rd Tour de France victory of 7. [1]  

The Look, Alpe d’Huez Stage 10: 2001 Tour de France

Photo from J Barber and F Ruggeri as published in Masculine Heart  

#2: COL DU TOURMALET

From Luz Saint-Sauveur - 18.7 km gaining 1319m at 7.1% average grade.

Col du Tourmalet from Luz Saint-Sauveur

PJAMM Gradient Profile  

With Alpe d’Huez, Col du Tourmalet is a TdF and world legend.  This is the highest pass in the Pyrenees and has been included in the Tour de France a record 84 times between its first appearance in 1910 and 2021. From 1919 to 1939, Tourmalet was included in the TdF every year except 1922, and then only because the tour rerouted due to heavy snow.

2019 featured comments on the official website for the Tour de France:

“It’ll be the third time that a finish is set at the top of the Pyrenean mountain after 1974 (victory of Jean-Pierre Danguillaume) and 2010 (victory of Andy Schleck). The Tourmalet is also to date the mountain that has been climbed the most in the history of the Tour: 82 times” ( Tour de France 2019 ).

Although no other climb has appeared more times in the Tour, Tourmalet has only been the finish three times.

Jean-Pierre Danguillaume won the first stage to finish on Col du Tourmalet (1974).

Photo:   deskgram.net

Tourmalet has a rich TdF history that began with its very first appearance in The Tour.  The legendary TdF organizer, Henri Desgrance had decided to include Tourmalet in the 1910 tour in what became known as the Circle of Death (Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque). The first rider over Col du Tourmalet on July 21, 1910 was eventual 1910 tour winner Frenchman Octave Lapize.  Lapize was overtaken on the next climb (Col d’Aubisque).  At this time Lapize unleashed on tour organizers as he reached the pass - this is not disputed -- what he said, however, is variously reported as either some or all of the following:  “murderers,” “assassins,” and/or “criminals.”  Sadly, Lapize was to die seven years later from injuries sustained when his fighter plane was shot down during WWI.  

Octave Lapize -- the first rider (hiker?) over Tourmalet, 1910.

Photo:   Cycling Passion, Octave Lapize walks over the Col du Tourmalet

The tour was not held from 1940-46 due to WWII.  When The Grand Tour reappeared in 1947, so to did Tourmalet. From 1947 to 1955 Tourmalet was featured in the TdF.  It wasn’t until 1956 that Tourmalet was left off the Tour’s agenda without excuse; from 1919 to 1957 Tourmalet was included in the Tour every year that it occurred.

One of the most famous stories of Col du Tourmalet and the Tour de France is from 1913.  Descending Tourmalet towards Campan, French cyclist Eugène Christophe crashed and broke his front fork.  Showing the resilience and spirit of those times (and, lacking any support staff), Christophe walked down the east side of Tourmalet to Campan where he found a forge and amazingly repaired his bike sufficient to ride to the stage finish in Bagnères-de-Luchon.  To add insult to injury, on top of already having lost three hours due to the crash, the race organizers penalized him for the “assistance” he was given by a seven year old boy who had pumped the bellows for him while he repaired his bike a blacksmith’s shop in Campan.

Eugène Christophe repairing his bike in Campan, 1913 (Image from Jean Durry ).

YouTube summary  of Christophe’s 1913 bad luck.

In 1919, Eugène Christophe became the first man to wear the yellow jersey.  

In 2010 Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck battled up the Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur for a mountain top finish (the second straight day Tourmalet was featured in the tour and only its second mountain top finish ever).  With ten kilometers to go, Schleck and Contador broke from the group and were alone on a fog shrouded ascent to the Col du Tourmalet.  With two kilometers to go, the two raced up the mountain side by side in heavy fog and light rain, having tried to break each other multiple times over the past eight kilometers.  Schleck led the entire final kilometer and there was no sprint at the finish, Contador conceding the stage to Schleck, but keeping the yellow jersey, both riders finishing with the same 5:03:29.

Andy Schleck edged Alberto Contador TdF 2010 stage 17.

Photo by filip bossuyt .

YouTube segment  of Schleck and Contador on Tourmalet.

WHAT’S ON TOP?

  “Géant au Col du Tourmalet”  -- Paying homage to the “Giants” of the road.  

Velopeloton.com  writes of the Géant:

“Géant au Col du Tourmalet is an iron sculpture first erected in 2000. It was created by the artist Jean-Bernard Métais, as part of the Tour de France sculpture on the A64 autoroute between Tarbes and Pau. This sculpture features 8 cyclists, Le Géant is the 9th person of the work. Le Géant is installed at the summit on the first Saturday of June each summer. It is a great occasion known as “Montée du Géant” – “Rise of the Giant” and attracts approx 1000 cyclists, who ride up the mountain with Le Géant. Le Géant travels on the back of a truck, accompanied by a brass band. There is a celebrity cyclist each year, with Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain among those who have honoured the Giant with their effort. Le Geant is removed at the beginning of October each year for safekeeping from the harsh winter. It is mostly on display in Bagneres de Bigorre, but has spent a couple of winters in Tarbes.”

Géant au Col du Tourmale

Photo:   Velopeloton.com

#3: MONT VENTOUX

After Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux is the second most famous of TdF legendary climbs.

Featured 17 times between 1951-2021 (10 summit finishes).

Mont Ventoux Elevation Profile

46% (9.8 km) of the climb is at 5-10% and 21% (4.5 km) at 10-15%.

From Bedoin, the traditional route, ride 21.2 km gaining 1593m to 1909m.

This is the third hardest bike climbs in France and a top world 150.

One of the features of cycling Mont Ventoux that separates it from many of the other exceptional climbs of Europe is that its unique radio tower at the top is visible throughout the climb.  At times it seems this tower just refuses to grow any bigger no matter how fast we pedal!   SportActive.net  explains that this distinctive red and white building, resembling a lighthouse, was built in 1968 and is used as a meteorological station as well as to broadcast television signals.  

MONT VENTOUX HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON TdF RIDERS LIKE NO OTHER

This climb first appeared in the Tour de France in 1951 when the race crossed, but did not finish, on its summit.  The first serious blow the mountain inflicted on riders was in 1955 when Swiss rider Ferdi Küble   (winner 1950 TdF) attacked 10 km from the summit and paid for it dearly. Ignoring the searing heat and steep grade, Kübler raced up the mountain only to seize up and have to dismount his bike well before the summit.  He eventually made it over the top, but had lost his lead and was a demoralizing 20 minutes behind the leaders. On the descent, Kübler crashed three times but ultimately made it to Avignon where he was observed entering a bar close to the stage finish and pounding down beer after beer.  After replenishing in the bar, Kübler mounted his bike and headed out in the opposite direction from the finish. That evening, Kübler called a press conference and retired on the spot - Ventoux had vanquished him ( Fotheringham, William,  put me back on my Bike, in Search of Tom Simpson , Yellow Jersey Press, 2007, p. 199).

Ferdi Kübler on Mont Ventoux 1955

Photo: Cycling Passion, Ferdi Kübler climbing Mont Ventoux, Tour de France 1955

Another great rider had been crushed by Venoux on on the 1955 stage - Frenchman Jean Malléjac  (second in 1953 and ninth overall on this day) keeled over on Ventoux, semi comatose and turning one pedal as he lay on the ground - he was never to race again.  Half a dozen other riders collapsed in the Ventoux furnace that day (Fotheringham, p. 199-200).

Jean Malléjac on Ventoux 1955;

Photo Rouleur, Tour de France 21 Stories: Vicious Venoux

And then there was 1967 and one of the greatest tragedies to occur during the Grand Tour. On July 13, 1967, during the tenth stage of the Tour de France, Tom Simpson, known as the charming “Mister Tom” and leader of the British team, had become ill (later his illness was traced to the substances of the day) but he pressed on, ultimately weaving desperately and collapsing on Ventoux.  The team mechanic, Harry Hall, pressed Simpson to stop, but he insisted on continuing, famously stating, “Me straps, Harry, me straps!" and his manager Alec Taylor acquiesced (Fotheringham, 2007, pp. 34-35).  He did not utter the more famous phrase, “put me back on my bike” - those were invented by an overzealous journalist.  Sadly, Mister Tom’s final turns of the pedal were over the next 500 meters and he soon collapsed and could not be resuscitated by Tour doctor Pierre Dumas, the same physician who had tended to Jean Malléjac on Mont Ventoux 12 years earlier.

Tom Simpson, Mont Ventoux, July 13, 1967

Photo:   Sport Vintage

There is a memorial honoring the great British rider Tom Simpson  0.7 miles from the summit of Mont Ventoux -- this is the location where he perished at age 29 during the thirteenth stage of the 1967 Tour de France.

Tom Simpson Memorial

First erected 1969 and re-erected 2014

The Tour de France included Mont Ventoux in 16 stages between 1951 and 2016, and it has been the finish on 10 of those, most recently in 2016 (as of 2020). “Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs in the Tour de France bicycle race, which has ascended the mountain fifteen times since 1951. The followed trail mostly passes through Bédoin. Its fame as a scene of great Tour dramas has made it a magnet for cyclists around the world”  ( Wikipedia ).

Charly Gaul Stage 18 1958

Photo: Cycling Passion - Charly Gaul on Mont Ventoux Tour de France 1958  

The “Angel of the Mountains,” diminutive Charly Gaul  raced up crushed the Stage 18 Mont Ventoux time trial in 1958, sealing his only Tour de France victory.  His record time of 1:02:09 over poor roads and in the hot sun stood for 31 years until taken by American Jonathan Vaughters of the US Postal team.  The current record is 55:51 set in 2004 by Spain's Iban Mayo

#4: COL DU GALIBIER

Col du Galibier

From Valloire:  Ride 17.4 km gaining 1199m at 6.9% average grade.

From Col du Lautaret:  8.6 km gaining 569m at 6.7%.

PJAMM Cycling’s Col du Galibier from Valloire Gradient Profile

72% (12.5 km) of the climb is at 5-10%.

Col du Galibier was the highest point ever reached by the Tour when featured in 1911 (2556m)

The Tour did not go higher until Col de l'Iseran in 1939 (2770m).

Finish and Tour markings at the Col du Galibier

Bartali handing Coppi a water bottle on the Galibier in the 1952 TdF,

Or Coppi sending it back to Bartali -- the debate rages . . .  

Photo:   iconicphotos.com

Included in the Tour 63 times from 1911 through 2022  Galibier was passed as the highest point in the Tour each year from 1911-1914 (suspended 1915-1918 WWI) and 1919-1937.  In all Col du Galibier has been the highest point in any individual TdF significantly more times than any other climb (50;  Col de L’Iseran is second with 8).

Haute Route quotes Henri Desgrange in his praise of this climb:

The Galibier became a legend at the very first time it was used by the Tour de France, in 1911. This is how Henri Desgrange, creator of the Tour de France, introduced it to his readers: “Oh! Sappey! Oh! Laffrey! Oh! Col Bayard! Oh! Tourmalet! I will not fail in my duty in proclaiming that next to the Galibier you are as weak as dishwater: before this giant there’s nothing one can do but doff one’s hat and bow down low” (translation by Marvin Faure) ( Hauteroute.org - Col du Galibier ).

When first crossed in 1911 by the Tour de France, no tour rider had ever ridden higher.  Although the Galibier route until 1976 tools the tunnel at 2,556 meters.  From 1976, the Tour has gone over the pass at the top which is 2,642 meters.

Andy Schleck, Stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France.

Col du Galibier -- highest mountain top finish ever.

Photo: roadbikereview.com

As with many of the challenging and beautiful climbs of France, Galibier is fabulously famous because it has been justifiably blessed by the Tour de France on many occasions (35 times since its first post WWII appearance in 1947, which was the first TdF since 1940).  Most recently (as of 2020) Galibier was featured in The Tour in 2019 ( Nairo Quintana  won the stage from Embrun to Valloire).  In 2017 debutante Primoz Roglic  became the first Slovenian to win a TdF stage when he came out on top in Stage 17 from La Mure to Serre-Chevalier.

Primoz Roglic, Stage 17 Tour de France.

First Slovenian to win a TdF stage.

Photo:   Cyclingtips.com

Of Galibier and the Tour de France, Wikipedia  writes:

The Col du Galibier was first used in the Tour de France in 1911; the first rider over the summit was Emile Georget, who, with Paul Duboc and Gustave Garrigou were the only riders not to walk.

Emile Georget, Col du Galibier, 1911

Photo: Emile Georget  

The original summit was at 2556 m; while the tunnel was closed from 1976 until 2002, the tour route went only over the pass closer to the mountain peak at 2645 m. In 2011, the Tour de France went through the tunnel for the first time during the 19th stage from Modane Valfréjus to L'Alpe d'Huez. At the south portal of the tunnel, at the edge of the road, there is a monument to Henri Desgrange, instigator and first director of the Tour de France. The memorial was inaugurated when the tour passed on 19 July 1949. Whenever the tour crosses the Col du Galibier, a wreath is laid on the memorial. The "Souvenir Henri Desgrange" is awarded to the first rider across the summit of the highest mountain in each year's tour. In 2006, the prize of 5,000 euros was claimed on the Col du Galibier by Michael Rasmussen.

Since 1947, the Col de Galibier has been crossed 31 times by the Tour de France. It was scheduled to be used in 1996, but was left out at the last minute due to bad weather. As a result of snow on both the Col de l'Iseran and the Col du Galibier, the scheduled 190 km stage from Val-d'Isère to Sestriere in Italy was reduced to a 46 km sprint from Le-Monetier-les-Bains which was claimed by Bjarne Riis, resulting in him taking the yellow jersey which he retained to the finish in Paris. In the 2008 Tour, the Col du Galibier had been crossed on 23 July in the 210 km stage 17 from Embrun to Alpe d'Huez. The 2011 Tour climbed the Col du Galibier twice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of the pass in the Tour de France, including the first ever summit finish, won by Andy Schleck after a 60 km solo breakaway. This was the highest ever stage finish in the Tour de France. It was scheduled to be used again in stage 20 of the 2015 Tour, but was left out nine days before the race start due to landslides in the Chambon Tunnel, situated towards the bottom of the descent of the climb.”

The Telegraphe, and Galibier, are the scene of the greatest racing day in the life of Marco Pantani .  It was here and in this Stage 15 of the 1998 TdF that Pantini attacked on the Galibier and ultimately turned a three minute deficit into an 11 minute lead against Jan Ullrich.  Pantini went on to win the Tour de France that year.  

Pantani attacks 4.2 km from Galibier summit.

Photo:   Cycling-passion.com

#5: COL D'AUBISQUE

CLIMB 1 (CAT __) - COL D'AUBISQUE  

PJAMM CYCLING INTERACTIVE PROFILE TOOL

16.7 km, 1193m at 7.1%

The incomparable Col d’Aubisque - included in the first ever mountain stage of the Tour de France in 1910 - Stage 10’s four mountain climbs over the 326 kilometer course (Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and, finally Col d’Aubisque) were coined The Circle of Death.  It was also on the Aubisque that eventual 1910 TdF winner Octave Lapize uttered his famous comments to tour organizers - variously reported at “murderers,” “assassins,” or “criminals.”

Col d’Aubisque (and Col d’Aspin)  has appeared in the Tour de France 73 times between 1910 and 2022, more than any other climb other than Col du Tourmalet with 88 appearances.

Stage 10 TdF 1911 [2]

Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com  (an exceptional resource for all Grand Tours).

We rode this route in 2011 and 2018 . . . guess what . . . still the same. 👍

Same cliff, same mountain, same tunnel (as pictured above) over 100 years later.

Aubisque is our choice for Top TdF Nostalgic Climb.

The descent from Eaux Bonnes (western approach) towards Col du Soulor was and is a dangerous route - it’s a narrow road with sheer cliffs. On Stage 13, July 17, 1951, this hazardous stretch of road was the scene of one of the most horrific and famous crashes in Tour history.  The unlikely leader on this day was the pleasant and good natured Dutchman Wim van Est .  This Tour included pure and true cycling legends Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, and Louison Bobet, and, while an accomplished pursuit racer, van Est was never expected to compete for the overall classification in the greatest of the Grand Tours.  Nonetheless,  on July 26, during Stage 12, van Est, who started the day over nine minutes behind leader Roger Levêque, broke away and won the stage, finding himself in the yellow jersey by :02:29.

A deadly road.

However, winning the flat Stage 12 by using his specialty sprint to gain time on the peloton is one thing, but a sprinter holding a slim lead over the Aubisque would be quite another.  And so it was that Van Est had lost his lead as he summited the mighty Aubisque and set about to regain some of what he had lost.  However, the narrow and windy road descending from Col d’Aubisque towards Col du Soulor is a poor choice for downhill heroics.  And so it was that fell and tumbled 70 meters down and nearly sheer mountainside. It was not just the fall that remains in our memories from this day, but the way Van Est was extricated from his predicament and that he was still alive and  able to climb up the mountain back to the road under his own power.

Photo:   Edwin Seldenthus as published in velopeloton.com .

Here is  amazing YouTube footage  of the rescue of Wim van Est.  He was helped up the mountainside by a chain of tires strung together by spectators and his support team.  Still alive and unbelievably without major injury, Van Est insisted on continuing the race, but was convinced by wiser authority to go to the hospital.

Making lemonade out of lemons (or money out of near death?) -- when he flew off the Aubisque cliff, Van Est fortuitously (in hindsight anyway) was wearing a team issued Pontiac wrist watch which became the launching point for Van Est focused advertising campaign with this slogan: “Seventy meters deep I dropped, my heart stood still but my Pontiac never stopped.”

All the greats have raced on the Aubisque

Louison Bobet, Stage 11 1954 TdF (champion 1953-1955)

 Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com

Full list of every climb ever included in the Tour de France

[1]  We all know, but it is necessary to mention here, that Lance Armstrong’s seven tour victories were all stripped due to the use of PEDs.

[2]  Note:  The cliff and tunnel approach to Col d’Aubisque is from the Argeles Gazost/Arrens side, not Laruns.

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• Skiing into Spring

10 legendary mountain passes and climbs

Mise à jour le --> 21.06 2023 --> --> --> --> Discovery

Regularly used by the Tour de France, every summer they attract cyclists from all over the world. However, you’ll need at least some training to follow in the wake of the top cycling champions, but the stunning landscapes revealed along the way make it well worth the effort. 

Le Portet d’Aspin (1,489 metres)

Like Tourmalet, le Col d’Aspin is a real classic for the Tour de France, which has climbed it 71 times. Thomas Voeckler was the last to conquer it in the lead, during the 16th stage of the 2012 Tour de France (Pau / Bagnères-de-Luchon), a race he went on to win after leading the day’s four challenges (Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde). The most difficult climb starts at Arreau (12 kilometres at 6.7%). It’s unusual because of the unevenly spaced hardwood trees alongside the road, which zig zags up through picturesque mountain pastures. The climb is more irregular from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan (12 kilometres at 5%) with a harder final section (from the ski resort and Lac de Payolle, at 1,100 metres in altitude).

Le Col du Grand Colombier (1,498 metres)

Despite only featuring in the Tour de France once (in 2012), le Col du Grand Colombier is nonetheless formidable. Its four access routes all represent an almost two-hour climb for the average cyclist: 15.9 kilometres at 7.87% from Artemare; 18.3 kilometres at 6.89% from Culoz; 15.7 kilometres at 7.97% from Anglefort and 19.2 kilometres (at 6.75% on the last 15 kilometres) from Champagne-en-Valromey. This Jura giant – situated on the border of the Savoie department – provides breath-taking views over Lac du Bourget from its summit.

Col de Peyresourde (1,569 metres)

Situated near the ski resort of Peyragudes, le Col de Peyresourde is characterised by the blanket of moss covering the Alpine pastures through which its road snakes. According to the former director of the Tour de France, Jean-Marie Leblanc, “this climb makes you want to lie down and sleep in the grass, next to the sheep and cows”! Climbed 65 times by Tour de France competitors, it offers a 9.9 kilometre stretch on the west side (at an average incline of 6.6%) and 15.3 kilometres on the east side (at an average incline of 6.1%). Beware though, its irregular incline (with 12% stretches on each side) and frequent gusts of wind make this climb a more delicate operation than the numbers alone suggest.

Alpe d’Huez (1,803 metres)

It’s hard to imagine it today, but the first time the Tour de France came to Alpe d’Huez in 1952, only a handful of fans were in attendance. Thereafter, the climb went on to become a highlight of the world’s biggest cycling race. Now some 500,000 people gather along the climb’s 21 numbered hair-pin bends – each road sign featuring the name of an Alpe d’Huez stage winner and the corresponding year of their victory – happily arriving several days in advance to set up. In summer, around 1,000 cyclists (5,000 a day during the week of the Tour) set off every day to tackle the 13.1 kilometre climb, at an average of 8.19%. Internationally, Alpe d’Huez is more famous for its access road’s 21 hair-pin bends than for its 250 kilometres of ski runs! 

Le Mont Ventoux (1,912 metres)

Visible for 100 kilometres in all directions, the Mont Ventoux summit appears to be permanently snow-capped, even at the height of summer. This almost lunar look, a consequence of repeated forest fires and deforestation that began back in the Middle Ages, is why it’s been nicknamed “Mont Bald”. Despite only looking slightly more difficult on paper (21.5 kilometres at 7.22%, versus 21.2 kilometres at 7.15%), the climb from Bédoin, on the south side, is unquestionably more famous than that on the north side, from Malaucène. It’s worth noting that 12 of the 15 Tour de France climbs started at Bédoin, compared to 2 on the north side and just 1 on the east side, from Sault. The latter, by far the easiest (25.7 kilometres at 4.5%), joins the Bédoin road at the level of the Reynard chalet, 6 kilometres from the summit.

Le Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 metres)

It’s not only the average gradient (27.53 kilometres at 4.7% on the Isére side from Verney Dam; 30 kilometres at 5.07% from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne on the Savoie side) but also its irregularity and length that make La Croix-de-Fer such a difficult climb. Cyclists who gamely attempt this Tour de France classic (which has featured in the event 16 times since 1947) are however rewarded by a succession of stunning landscapes: waterfalls plunging down into the valley, the Grand-Maison Dam, the Aiguilles de l’Argentière on the Isére side; the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Belledonne chain on the climb from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Le Col du Tourmalet (2,115 metres)

Despite having a name that seems to translate from French as the “bad trip”, this Pyrenean giant remains the most-climbed Col in the history of the Tour de France (79 times). The first time “La Grande Boucle” paid it a visit in 1910, Octave Lapize – who carried out a large part of the climb on foot, pushing his bike – felt entirely justified in labelling its organisers “killers”. Today, the climb will take an average cyclist around two hours to complete, either on its west side (17.2 kilometres at 7.4% from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, via the resort of La Mongie) or its east side (18.8 kilometres at 7.4% from Luz-Saint-Sauveur, via Barèges).

Le Col de l’Izoard (2,360 metres)

When you think of Izoard, the first thing that comes to mind is the barren scree slopes overlooking the road, which, like Mont Ventoux, give the place a lunar feel. The presence of cargneule peaks (a local sepia-coloured rock) reinforces the austere look of the so-called “Casse Déserte” situated just over 2 kilometres from the Col on the south side. Of the 33 times the Tour de France has been through here, it has been the most-climbed section (15.9 kilometres at 6.9%). In 2011, Andy Schleck, then 4th in the General Classification, launched an attack 60 kilometres from the start, which went on to deliver him first place in the stage. The Col’s north side, from Briançon, offers a 19.2 kilometre climb at an average gradient of 5.92%.

Le Col du Galibier (2,642 metres)

Climbed 58 times, le Col du Galibier numbers among the Tour de France’s “classic climbs”. This year once again it will be the highest summit the peloton passes through, during the Modane – Alpe d’Huez stage. If the south side (8.52 kilometres at 6.9% from le Col du Lautaret) is far from a bed of roses, what can be said about the north side, with 18.1 kilometres at 6.9%, and the most difficult kilometres bunched towards the end? It was on these slopes that Marco Pantani laid the foundations for his final victory in 1998.

Le Col de l’Iseran (2,770 metres)

This Col, which connects the Maurienne and Tarentaise Valleys, prides itself on being the highest Col road in the Alps. Before the road – which opened in 1937 – was built, the Col de l’Iseran the site of so many mysteries and dramas that in Bonneval-sur-Arc (the starting point of the south face climb) it gave rise to the following adage: “If everyone who died on Iseran stood hand in hand, they would stretch from here to Val d’Isère”. Today, the Col de l’Iseran is a prime tourism site. It provides access to Val d’Isère’s summer ski area (on the Pisaillas glacier), and of course two superb cycling climbs: 48 kilometres at 4.1% from Bourg-Saint-Maurice on its north side (including 16 kilometres at 5.8% from Val d’Isère) or 13.4 kilometres at 7.3% from Bonneval-sur-Arc, on the south side.

Col de l'Izoard ©Martin Léger

Col du Galibier ©ASO

Montée du mont Ventoux ©A.S.O

peloton montée au Col du Glandon ©A.S.O

Montée vers l'Alpe d'Huez ©A .S.O

Col de la Croix-de-fer© A.Gros

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• Spring Classics

5 unmissable stages of the 2024 Tour de France

Mountains, gravel, and final-day drama: Here are our pick of the most promising stages of next year's Tour

Patrick Fletcher

Deputy editor.

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The fearsome Col du Galibier appears shockingly early in the 2024 Tour de France

The 2024 Tour de France is a thrill-seeker, seeking to capture the increasingly elusive attention of as broad an audience as possible. We have mountains at the start, mountains at the end, and gravel in the middle. We have the hilliest ever opening stage and we have a real race on the final day for the first time in 35 years.

In short, we have plenty of ammo for this run-down of 'unmissable' stages.

The 2024 Tour de France will, of course, be live in full on GCN+ and while you may well watch every stage from start to finish, these for us are the standout days when you're going to want to clear your calendars.

Stage 4: Why take a tunnel when you can climb a col?

July 2: Pinerolo – Valloire, 138km

The profile for stage 4 of the 2024 Tour de France

“Never before has the Tour been so high, so soon,” said Christian Prudhomme as he unveiled this early foray into the Alps. We knew the race had to get from Italy to France, and that means negotiating the Alps, but doing so in this way was not on many bingo cards.

“We could have passed through some tunnels, but we had no interest in doing that, so we preferred to pass over some cols,” Prudhomme added with a mischievous smile.

This is a proper mountain stage, and even if you look at it and think it’s not the likeliest to generate decisive general classification movement, you then remember it’s only stage 4 and that this sort of thing isn’t supposed to happen this early in a Grand Tour.

A full on mountain stage this early is unprecedented, but it's not the first time the Tour has started with some hills. In some respects the first few stages of this Tour are a natural step up from what we saw last year. We have more elevation gain on the opening day in 2024 (3,600m) than we did in the Basque Country last year, when an early foray into the Pyrenees on stages 5 and 6 – on routes that didn’t look ultra-decisive – ended up seeing Vingegaard and Pogačar trade significant blows.

The same is possible on this route, which effectively climbs from the gun, all the way to Sestrières at 2035m. The race crosses the Italo-French border via the Col de Montgenèvre (8.3km at 5.9%) and then it’s time for the Galibier, one of the most iconic mountains of the Tour de France.

It's the southern side of the mountain in action here, totalling 23km at 5.1%, much of that being a steady plod up the Col du Lauteret, where the prevailing headwind could see a contained race. But things suddenly change when you ignore that left turn and head right onto the upper reaches of the Galibier, as the gradient ramps up dramatically, the mountainside vertiginously falls away, and the altitude starts to bite.

This will be as much about the descent as the ascent, with the route re-tracing the steps that made Tom Pidcock a Netflix star, so we’re in for a spectacular finale, however the Galibier leaves it hanging. The draggy nature of much of the climbing may fail to inspire some fans, but you have a Tour de France icon, altitude, and a stunning descent, and then you remember it’s only stage 4.

Stage 9: Gravel storm incoming

July 7: Troyes – Troyes, 199km

The profile for stage 9 of the 2024 Tour de France

Love gravel, hate gravel, you are not missing this. This could be a massive moment for the race; it could be a massive moment in the history of the Tour de France; it could amount to very little at all; but it’s going to be captivating viewing, either way.

There was a sense of shock after Christian Prudhomme had unveiled the parcours for this stage. The very presence of gravel had been heavily touted in the pre-presentation rumour mill, but, sorry… how much?! No fewer than 14 sectors will line the route of stage 9, totalling more than 32km of the so-called chemins blancs (white tracks). That’s not Strade Bianche territory, but it’s considerably more than the 12.9km used when the Tour de France Femmes visited this area in 2022, the 11.6km on offer at next year’s Giro d’Italia, and any helping of cobblestone sectors we’ve had over the years.

It’s going to kick up a storm of dust on the day but it has already whipped up a stormy debate. “It is not necessary,” said an exasperated Jumbo-Visma boss Richard Plugge, a feeling echoed by his Bora-Hansgrohe counterpart Ralph Denk and in more diplomatic terms by his rider, the defending champion Jonas Vingegaard. Remco Evenepoel has already spoken out against the gravel, while his Soudal Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere has never hidden his own distaste for gravel and cobbles.

The general argument against is that the heightened risk of mechanical problems or crashes could take a leading contender out of contention or out of the race altogether – rather than being decided on strength and tactics, it increased the role of Lady Luck. The argument in favour draws on both the past and future of cycling. Prudhomme pointed out that some of the sport’s legends were making their mark before long before paved roads were the norm, while gravel as a modern discipline is the sport's major growth area.

The Tour de France has made obvious efforts in recent years to appeal to the social media generation, so it’s no surprise to see them jump on the gravel hype train. If nothing goes drastically wrong on stage 9 next July, we can expect to see them lean further into the drama and entertainment angle, with Tour routes veering further away from the traditional. This is part of the testing ground for how a Grand Tour could and should be designed.

As for the day itself, the luck factor will be impossible to predict but in purely racing terms there is plenty of time to be won and lost. Plugge may have underlined Vingegaard’s bike handling skills, but the Jumbo-Visma reaction doesn’t scream confidence, nor does that of Primož Roglič’s future team Bora-Hansgrohe, while Evenepoel will have flashbacks to his nightmare outing on the Tuscan gravel in the 2021 Giro. That’ll be music to the ears of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), a former winner of Strade Bianche and the reigning champion at the Tour of Flanders. He is, quite simply, a more rugged and rounded rider, and he will surely see this not as an obstacle but an opportunity.

However it falls, the sight of the yellow jersey and co. careering onto the gravel – a haze of dust in the dry, or a mudbath in the wet – will be compelling viewing. Even if nothing much happens, you’ll be holding your breath on the edge of your seat for each sector, but there’s every chance this could be one of the most dramatic days of the whole Tour.

Stage 15: A Bastille Day epic

July 14: Loudenvielle – Plateau de Beille, 198km

The profile for stage 15 of the 2024 Tour de France

Bastille Day, and as if the French fans needed any more incentive to get out there and scream their lungs out, we have a crazy day in the Pyrenees.

Let’s start with the stats: 198km, six climbs, 4850m elevation gain. It’s a big, big day and, what’s more, it comes hot on the heels of another big day. Stage 14 might not be quite as heavy, but it still goes over the Tourmalet, Hourquette d’Ancizan and up Pla d’Adet, meaning the legs will already be dulled for this epic.

It’s another summit finish, up at Plateau de Beille, but more on that later. The stage rips out of the traps, climbing the western flank of the Col de Peyresourde from the gun. The ascent from Loudenvielle measures 6.9km at 7.8% and the bunch is going to explode immediately. Breakaway artists will be on the move, pawns will be placed, lower-rung GC riders will be on the hunt, and we could even see a favourite or two looking to take advantage of the chaos. After the descent there are 20km in the valley but then the Col de Menté hits and it’s vicious (9.3km at 9.1%), followed straight away by the Portet d’Aspet (4.3km at 9.7%).

The valley roads in the middle of the stage should be where things settle back into some sort of pattern, but the shake-up will recommence on the Col d’Agnes (10km at 8.2%), and the short hop over to the Port de Lers. A descent and a short valley stretch then lead to the final climb to Plateau de Beille (15.8km at 7.9%), which didn’t see much action on its last appearance in 2015, but then again this is a harder stage in general. The first few kilometres are the hardest, averaging 9%, and it hangs mostly between 7-8% the rest of the way up. For such a long climb, the average gradient is high, and there’ll be guaranteed damage by the top.

The 2024 Tour route seems to have less of a penchant for super-steep climbs than previous years, with a return to more of the traditional steadier efforts, but this stage features the sharpest gradients of the whole Tour, and also the most elevation gain of a single stage. It’s set to be a defining day.

Stage 19: Up in the clouds

July 19: Embrun – Valloire, 145km

The profile for stage 19 of the 2024 Tour de France

Rivalling stage 15 for the honour of the race’s ‘queen stage’ is this trip down the eastern flank of the French Alps, and it offers a real contrast to its Pyrenean counterpart.

For starters, it’s shorter, by 53km, and it contains almost as much elevation gain. Although it doesn’t start uphill, it’s a more intense affair. Secondly, the climbs are less steep, but longer, the Col de Vars and Cime de la Bonette both around the 20km mark.

The most important factor – and the thing that truly sets this stage apart – is the altitude. 2000 metres has become a sort of mythical benchmark, often referred to as 'the barrier'. Above the barrier, things change as the paucity of oxygen dulling both the muscles and the senses. At that height, you can crack and never recover.

The Tour goes above 2000m on the Galibier on stage 4 and the Tourmalet on stage 14, but stage 19 is ‘the altitude stage’ of the 2024 Tour.

The Col de Vars takes us to 2109m with an 18.8km climb at an average gradient of 5.7% that’s heavily mitigated by a 3km plateau in the middle. It’s then over to the Cime de la Bonette, which, at an eye-watering 2802m, is one of the highest paved roads in Europe.

This is extreme altitude, and while the climb, measuring 22.2km at 6.9%, would be hard enough from seal level, half of it is above the 2000m barrier, where the riders will be toiling for more than half an hour.

The long descent to Isola sets us up for another vertical kilometre on the final climb to Isola 2000, which as the name suggests, punctures that 2000m barrier for a third time. It’s another long climb at 16km, and while it’s a steady traditional ski resort seven percent-er, the day’s exertions will start to take their toll.

It’s the sort of stage, heading into the clouds, where the idea of climbers ‘taking flight’ feels very apt indeed.

Stage 21: Drama til the last

July 21: Monaco – Nice, 34km (ITT)

The profile for stage 21 of the 2024 Tour de France

For the first time in the history of the Tour de France, the race will finish away from Paris, and for the first time since 1989, we’ll have a competitive final day.

Those memories from 35 years ago will only whet the appetite for this 35km time trial between Nice and Monaco. The final day of that 1989 edition, concluding with a time trial into Paris, is one of the most memorable day’s in the race’s rich tapestry, with a pioneeringly aerodynamic Greg LeMond snatching the yellow jersey from Laurent Fignon by a mere eight seconds – the tightest ever Tour.

The arrival of the peloton in Paris is, for many, symbolic. However, the champagne-fuelled procession is not to everyone’s taste, and those who prefer the last day of the race to be, well, a race, will delight in the 2024 finale on the Côte d’Azur.

Provided it’s not a complete walkover to that point, the yellow jersey will be in play until the very last metres and moments of the Tour de France.

If the yellow jersey is indeed in play, then even the flattest of time trials would be gripping, but this is a far more interesting route than most, heading into the hills behind Nice to provide an all-round test of climbing, descending, flat power, and also bike handling.

The route starts in Monaco and spends all of 3km on the flat before heading up La Turbie, a well-trodden training climb for the enclave of Principality-based pros. At 8.1km at 5.6%, it’s a solid climb but more of a steady, seated effort. It provides a link to the Col d’Eze, famous from Paris-Nice, so it’s not the full climb but a steep 1.6km kicker at the top, which is followed by a long, fast, sweeping descent into Nice for a flat final 6km.

It’s a stunning route, perched above the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean, and it should balance things finely between the remaining yellow jersey contenders, coming down to who’s still firing after three weeks. That’s another part of the novelty; the 2024 Tour effectively has one extra day of ‘real’ racing, and this TT comes after two big summit finishes, and five mountain stages in the space of the previous seven days.

If it goes down to the wire, it will live long in the memory.

Tour de France

• Dates 29 Jun - 21 Jul
• Race Length 3,492 kms
• Race Category Elite Men

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5 Iconic Climbs in the Tour de France

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Every year, the Tour de France riders navigate 2,000 miles or more as they race across 21 stages of some of the most challenging terrain in the world.

The tour includes various landscapes that assault riders in different ways. Sprints create exciting finishes where athletes often win by microscopic margins. Time trials force riders to give all-out performances that leave fans marveling at their sheer power. Hilly stages are sometimes wild cards where racers can take risks and push themselves in different ways.

But nothing blows the pack of the Tour de France apart like mountainous stages. The Tour de France sends riders on some of the most challenging climbs in cycling .

By the race’s end, riders usually climbed somewhere in the neighborhood of more than 150,000 feet. The most demanding climbing stages significantly affect who walks away in the yellow jersey.

The Tour de France route changes every year. The total number of climbs can vary, and tour organizers can specify different and unfamiliar climbs. Some, however, have become so iconic that they are synonymous with the tour.

Here are five of the most infamous climbs the Tour de France has ever seen.

Alpe d’Huez: A Queen Stage of the Tour de France

The Alpe d’Huez is among the most famous climbs in the Tour de France. The climb is composed of 21 tight switchback turns and runs for just more than 8 miles with an average grade of about 8%.

Riders see a total elevation gain of more than 3,500 feet during the climb. Each of the 21 corners takes its name from a previous stage winner, so it is steeped in the tour’s history.

This route also is a favorite vantage point for fans to come out and watch the race. As they fight to the top, huge crowds line the roadway to cheer on their favorite cyclists.

Alpe d’Huez landed on Stage 12 in 2022. It once again became a venue for race leaders to jockey for position for the yellow jersey. British rider Tom Pidcock became the youngest rider to ever win the stage after putting on a descending clinic earlier on the route. Jonas Vingagaard and Tadej Pogačar hung together in a tough battle to finish neck and neck, though Vingagaard held his lead and the yellow jersey.

Col du Galibier

The Col du Galibier also appeared in Stage 12 of the 2022 Tour de France as the first climb of the day ahead of the Col de la Croix de Fer and the aforementioned Alpe D’Huez. The climb marked the highest point in the Tour de France this year.

The Col du Galibier runs for about 20 miles at an average grade of about 5%. It includes around 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The first 7 or so miles of the 2022 stage featured a steady, shallow climb to an early intermediate sprint. After that, the route pitched dramatically upward to the Col du Lautaret, and then onward to the summit of Galibier.

Anthony Perez of team Cofidis powered up the climb this year to reach the summit first.

Mont Ventoux: One of the Most Popular Climbs of the Tour de France

Mont Ventoux is iconic for its beauty, difficulty, and tragic history. The climb ascends about 13.3 miles with an average grade of 7.6% for a total elevation gain of more than 5,000 feet.

The top of the climb features an exposed, rocky landscape allowing sweeping views of the countryside beneath. But it also allows riders to see the long, upward pathway fade into the distance, which presents a daunting mental battle as they struggle up the mountain.

The exposed nature of the route often leads to high winds that make the ascent even more difficult and uncertain.

British cyclist Tom Simpson collapsed near the summit of Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France. Emergency crews flew him to a local hospital for care but were unable to save his life. A memorial to Simpson still sits near the summit of the stage.

Mont Ventoux is not included in the 2022 Tour de France.

Col du Tourmalet: The Tall Boy

The Col du Tourmalet is the highest mountain pass in the French Pyrenees, so you know it gets spicy.

It covers around 10 miles with a total elevation gain of about 4,300 feet at a grade of 7.1%. However, portions of the climb reach up to 9.7%. The climb is consistent and lung-busting, offering no reprieve for riders to catch their breath before the summit.

The Col du Tourmalet has been included in the Tour de France more than any other climb. Its last appearance came in the 2021 race. It is not included in this year’s Tour de France.

Col d’Aubisque

The Col d’Aubisque has earned its place in history as one of the significant climbs of the race.

First used in 1910, the climb runs for around 10 miles at an average grade of 7.2%.

The Col d’Aubisque presents one of the final mountain challenges for the 2022 race. It is the first “super category” climb of Stage 18, which runs for 88 miles from Lourdes to Hautcam.

With only two flat stages and an individual time trial remaining, the Aubisque pass could become a make-or-break section and the last chance for a rider to attack and pull back time in the mountains.

Even completing one of these climbs is a feat for most cyclists. They could take an average rider a couple of hours to grind out, and they’ll hurt.

It’s pretty astounding that Tour de France riders often hit them back to back over more than 100 miles of racing. But aside from punishing riders, these climbs showcase the stunning landscapes of the French Alps and Pyrenees and make the Tour de France such a celebrated event.

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Mark Wilson is a freelance journalist for GearJunkie and BikeRumor. Mark has been writing about cycling, climbing, outdoor events and gear for more than a year. Before that, he spent more than a decade as a journalist at major daily newspapers in Texas covering crime, public safety and local government. Mark spent every free moment during that time carving up singletrack and gravel, or climbing with friends and family in Texas, Colorado and Mexico. Based in Texas, Mark is always looking for new trails, crags and gear to help navigate the outdoors. As a new dad, he is particularly interested in learning how to share his love of the outdoors with his son.

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Tour de France 2023: Six key stages you need to watch in the men's race next July

Six stages where drama in the fight for the yellow jersey could unfold in the 110th edition of the Tour de France

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The 110th edition of the Tour de France will get underway in Bilbao in 2023 before wrapping up three weeks later in Paris. 

Taking place between 1-23 July, the 3,404 kilometre route packs plenty of punches which includes stages in all five of the country’s mountain ranges. In total there are four summit finishes to contend with including a return to the iconic Puy de Dôme climb, and just one 22 kilometre individual time trial. 

A Grand Départ in the Basque Country means plenty of drama in the opening few stages which riders of the mould of Julian Alaphilippe and Tom Pidcock will relish. After the race leaves the Basque Country, it then moves through the Pyrenees and into France with a sprint finish in Bordeaux before returning to the mountains. 

At the grand unveiling of the route, race director Christian Prudhomme called it "one for the climbers" as the multiple summit finishes and steep roads were revealed. With that considered, it makes it highly likely that riders such as Remco Evenepoel , Geraint Thomas and Primoz Roglič will head to the Giro d’Italia next year with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar expected to lock horns in France. 

The big surprise was that there is no final weekend time trial as was widely expected, and no team time trial as was rumoured beforehand. 

Here are the six key stages where we predict early drama to take place as well as battles between the overall favourites throughout the three weeks. 

STAGE TWO: VITORIA-GASTEIZ - SAN SEBASTIAN 210 km

Stage two is undoubtedly one for the puncheurs featuring many of the climbs associated with the Clasica San Sebastian . 

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The 210 kilometre stage includes the Cote d’Aztiria, Cote d’Alkiza as well as the infamous Jaizkibel climb where the Basque fans will be out in full force. At 8.1 kilometres, the Jaizkibel is a nasty little ramp with sections touching eight per cent which the riders will have to contend with before speeding towards the finish. 

In August, Remco Evenepoel cut his way through a sea of fireworks, beer and screaming fans as he sped towards a second Klasikoa title on the Jaizkibel. Next July, expect a rider of the calibre of Julian Alaphilippe, Wout Van Aert or Matej Mohoric to be right in contention on stage two of the Tour. 

STAGE SIX: TARBES - CAUTERETS-CAMBASQUE 145 km  

Stage six sees the mighty Col du Tourmalet return to the Tour with the prize of the Souvenir Jacques Goddet , awarded to the first rider to cross the top of the Tourmalet, at the summit.

At just 145 kilometres, it includes three huge climbs including the well-known Col d’Aspin, the Col du Tourmalet and the first summit finish of the 2023 edition at Cauterets-Cambasque. The climb up to the finish is 16 kilometres in length with an average gradient of just 5.4%. However, the final three kilometres pitch all the way up to 10% meaning serious damage could be done in those final three kilometres alone.

Tadej Pogačar’s teammate Rafal Majka won the last time the race visited Cauterets in 2015. The stage may come too early for a GC battle this year, so expect a climber to win from a breakaway in similar style to Majka’s victory. Arka-Samsic's Warren Barguil could be a surprise favourite on a stage such as this.

STAGE NINE: SAINT-LÉONARD-DE-NOBLAT - PUY DE DǑME 184 km 

After much speculation, it was finally confirmed in October that the iconic Puy de Dôme mountain would be returning to the French grand tour in 2023 for the first time since 1988.

The 1,465 metre dormant volcano, located in the heart of the Massif Central will provide a horrific test of strength and endurance at the end of stage nine. It may also perhaps provide the first major general classification showdown. At 13.3 kilometres in length, with an average gradient of 7.7% it’s a climb that Vingegaard and Pogačar will both want to win on to add to their already glittering palmares.

In 1964, the final climb was the site of a legendary duel between five time winner Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor. Eddy Merckx was also punched there in 1975 by a spectator tired of the Belgian's dominance. 

Whoever has their arms in the air celebrating victory on stage nine will firmly write their name into cycling and Tour de France folklore. 

STAGE 14: ANNEMASSE - MORZINE LES PORTES DU SOLEIL 152 km 

Stage 14 has all the makings of a savage day on the bike with a consistently up and down parcours . 

There is a grand total of 4,200 metres of elevation stacked within the 152 kilometre stage. The day includes six climbs, which includes the gruelling Col de la Ramaz before the brutal Col de Joux Plane, followed by the fast and furious descent into Morzine. 

Due to the technicalities of the descent, any time gap at the top of the climb could be devastating, as only the bravest of descenders would dare to force a gap on the downhill run into Morzine. 

With stage 15 and another summit finish to come, will the riders at the sharp end of the general classification be willing to sacrifice everything with such a tough day still to come?

STAGE 15: LES GETS - MONT BLANC 180 km 

A gruelling Alpine weekend draws to a close with a 180 kilometre long test which concludes on the slopes of Mont Blanc. 

The ride through the Haute-Savoie includes the trio of the Col de la Forclaz, the Croix Fry and the Col des Aravis. With that demanding trio out of the way, it’s onto the slopes of the final climb which begins with the 11% Côte des Amerands. As the riders crest the Amerands the road goes sharply upwards with sections touching 17% according to the organisers. 

Either way, it’s one for the pure climbers once again and will inevitably provide a GC showdown. 

STAGE 17: SAINT GERVAIS-MONT BLANC - COURCHEVEL 166 km 

The high mountains continue on stage 17 with the mighty Col de la Loze on the menu. It’s arguably the Queen Stage of the 2023 edition with the Cormet de Roselend, the Col des Saisies and the Col de la Loze all playing a major role in proceedings. 

With its inconsistent gradients and sections touching 20%, the 2,304 metre Col de la Loze is a beyond fearsome climb which is enough to strike fear into even the most talented of climbers. 

The 2020 Tour included a summit finish at the top of the climb. Miguel Ángel López took the stage honours that day and another South American, Richard Carapaz, came unstuck on the slopes of the Loze after a gruelling day in the breakaway. 

The Souvenir Henri Desgrange , awarded to the first person over the peak of the Tour, is at the top of the climb, and is a fitting prize to go with the stage win for whoever crosses the line first at Courchevel. 

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Tom joined Cycling Weekly in early 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine. 

He has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the recent Glasgow World Championships. He has also covered races elsewhere across the world and interviewed some of the sport's top riders including Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert, Primož Roglič and Lizzie Deignan. 

When not writing news scoops from the WorldTour, or covering stories from elsewhere in the domestic professional scene, he reports on goings on at bike shops up and down the UK, where he is based when not out on the road at races. He has also appeared on the Radio Cycling podcast. 

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Tour de France 2023: our selection of the most beautiful mountain stages

From tarbes to cauterets-cambasque, the pyrenees take centre stage.

After 3 stages on the Spanish side, welcome to the French Pyrenees! First there's Bayonne and the Basque country, Dax and its thermal baths, Pau and its beautiful castle where King Henry IV was born. And then there's Tarbes, with its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, its palm-lined streets (yes, yes!) and its gourmet markets. The riders of the 2023 Tour de France will need a lot of courage to tear themselves away from this gentle way of life and tackle the climbs of the Aspin and terrible Tourmalet cols . The reward for all this climbing is a finish on the Cambasque plateau, overlooking the charming resort of Cauterets, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, where the Pic du Midi is enthroned. Want to cool off? Try the hike to the peaceful Lac d'Ilhéou . In a green setting with magnificent views and waterfalls, picnics and swimming...

The Puy de Dôme, a feast for the eyes in Auvergne

The ascent of Puy de Dôme, the undisputed star of the Auvergne, will be one of the highlights of the 2023 Tour de France! The youngest and highest volcano in the Puys chain has not featured on the itinerary for 35 years. Taking on this fearsome and majestic peak and finishing with a 360° view over the gentle rolling hills of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is sure to motivate many a rider! But did you know that you can also climb this peaceful giant by mule track or on board the Panoramique des Dômes, a picturesque little cogwheel train? In just 15 minutes, you'll be transported to an altitude of 1,465 m, with the 80 volcanoes of the Puy range and the Limagne fault (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site at your feet. To complete a stage that's full of fireworks, the Vulcania Park is not far away! Who can beat that?

Breathtaking escapes in the Jura

Expect to fall under the spell of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne! Just 1 hour from Lyon and the Monts du Beaujolais, this small town in the Ain département, from which the Tour de France 2023 peloton will set off on 14 July, is a delightful medieval town. With its pink stone houses, flower-bedecked bridges and old market hall housing one of France's most popular traditional markets, it is also the gateway to the Dombes region, a paradise for fish farmers and birdwatchers with its landscapes of water and ponds. Take advantage of this area on foot, by boat or, ideally, by bike (it's flat!), before taking to the heights of the Montagnes du Jura , just a stone's throw away. The Pyramide du Bugey, from the top of which you can see Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, is a must-see. The Tour de France riders attack it via the Col du Grand Colombier. At top speed. Take your time, the panorama is well worth it!

In the Alps, between lakes and legendary passes

It's doubtful that the riders will enjoy the view of Lake Geneva as they take their first pedal to the metal in the Alps at Annemasse on stage 14 of the Tour de France 2023. We recommend this one, though, as well as the view of Lake Annecy and its turquoise waters. Then it's time for a series of twists and turns and climbs to the legendary passes of the Alps, including the famous Col du Feu, an unprecedented climb for the peloton. At an altitude of 1,000 metres, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the stage finish in Morzine won't dampen the spirits of those who love nature. In summer, the little village resort in the Alps is an ideal playground for lovers of outdoor activities : a stroll along the Dérêches river, swimming in Lake Montriond, canyoning or via ferrata... the hardest thing will be to choose.

From Gets to Saint-Gervais, Mont Blanc in your sights

For the first time since its creation, the Tour de France will start from Les Gets. Well-known to mountain bikers (the World Championships were held there in 2022), the pretty Alpine resort will kick off a 15th stage during which you'll need to have plenty of breath. The Col de la Forclaz-Montmin is on the programme. So allow yourself a break at its belvedere for a bird's-eye view of Lake Annecy before setting off again for Saint-Gervais, at the foot of Mont-Blanc. If you want to reach the highest peak in the Alps, this village resort, with its well-preserved heritage and traditions, is the ideal place to stop. And its thermal baths, renowned for the many benefits of their waters, set the well-being at the summit in a magnificent green setting.

Courchevel, star of the Alps

The regulars call it Courch' and they come and go summer and winter as connoisseurs, just like the Tour de France caravan which is visiting the Savoyard resort for the 4th time. Welcome to the pinnacle of top-of-the-range skiing in the Alps, at the heart of the Three Valleys ski area. Courchevel tops the list not only for the size of its ski area (Méribel and Val Thorens are its famous neighbours) but also for its range of hotels (no fewer than 5 mountain palaces , from the Apogée to the Cheval Blanc, not forgetting the K2 Palace, Airelles and the Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges) and restaurants. So, with its 6 hamlets and the surrounding area, the resort has a lot to offer. Take a selfie at the top of La Saulire, take a stroll down to Lac de la Rosière, cycle down the Bike Park, spend the night in the Lacs Merlet refuge or hike through the heart of the Vallée des Avals... You're going to love it!

Full steam ahead in the Vosges

Between the Lorraine plateau and the Alsace plain, the Vosges massif lives up to its reputation: a perfect blend of nature, wide open spaces, traditions and local produce, crafts and fine cheeses. Between the Grand Ballon d'Alsace and the Petit Ballon, via the famous Col de la Schlucht, the Tour de France 2023 will be taking a break from the normality of the mountains, with a new finish on the slopes of the Markstein, in the welcoming family resort of Marlstein Fellering. In the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park , you can enjoy bucolic hikes, tobogganing in the mountain pastures, paragliding with a view, and mountain biking (or mountain bikes) in a landscape of absolute serenity. And for those with a sweet tooth, July is the peak of blueberry season (and the season for tarts in the farm inns).

And (finally) Paris.... and the Olympics!

Will the riders be in Olympic form for the triumphant finish on the Champs-Elysées on 23 July 2023? Just one year ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris , the route will certainly provide a magnificent prologue to the sporting event. Starting in Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, all the future Olympic venues in the Yvelines département will be on the peloton's final route. A gigantic loop will join the Colline d'Elancourt (where the mountain bike events will take place), the Golf National in Guyancourt and the Château de Versailles , which will host the equestrian events and part of the modern pentathlon competitions. A prestigious line-up of finishers for a Tour de France 2023 that's sure to be at the top of its game!

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5 minutes to find out all about the Tour de France 9 mountain skills to discover

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TOTAL: 3492 km

This will be the first Grand Départ in Italy and the 26th that’s taken place abroad  First finale in Nice. Due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Paris, the race will not finish in the French capital for the first time.

Two time trials. 25 + 34 = 59km in total, the second of them taking place on the final Monaco>Nice stage. This will be the first time the race has seen a finale of this type for 35 years, the last occasion being the famous Fignon - LeMond duel in 1989.

Apennines (Italy), the Italian and French Alps, Massif Central and Pyrenees will be the mountain ranges on the 2024 Tour route.

The number of countries visited in 2024: Italy, San Marino, Monaco and France. Within France, the race will pass through 7 Regions and 30 departments.

The number of bonus points 8, 5 and 2 bonus seconds go to the first three classified riders, featuring at strategic points along the route (subject to approval by the International Cycling Union)these will have no effect on the points classification. Bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds will be awarded to the first three classified riders at road stage finishes.

Out of a total of 39, the locations or stage towns that are appearing on the Tour map for the first time . In order of appearance: Florence, Rimini, Cesenatico, Bologna, Piacenza, Saint-Vulbas, Gevrey-Chambertin, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, Évaux-les-Bains, Gruissan, Superdévoluy, Col de la Couillole.

The number of sectors on white roads during stage nine, amounting to 32km in total .

The number of stages: 8 flat, 4 hilly, 7 mountain (with 4 summit finishes at Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet, Plateau de Beille, Isola 2000, Col de la Couillole), 2 time trials and 2 rest days.

The number of riders who will line up at the start of the Tour, divided into 22 teams of 8 riders each.

The height of the summit of the Bonette pass in the Alps, the highest tarmac road in France, which will be the “roof” of the 2024 Tour.

The total vertical gain during the 2024 Tour de France.

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Mountain stages of the 2023 Tour de France

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This page showcases all the mountains and climbs for the 2023 Tour de France. The route was announced on 27 October 2022 and promises plenty of action in the mountains once again. This page reflects the information currently available and will be updated periodically as more information is released about the race.

I have been lucky to experience the thrill of watching the Tour de France on multiple mountain stages and am looking forward to 2023. My toughest descision will be which mountain to choose to spectate. In the Pyrenees the 2023 race returns to the slopes of the iconic Col du Tourmalet, while the race returns to the slopes of Le Puy de Dôme for the first time since 1988.

In 2023 the riders will be faced with the mountains in the first week when the hit the Pyrenees. It will be interesting to see how this shapes the race given there will still be a long way to the finish line. This year also sees a mountain stage on the day before the finish which will test the strength and resolve of all the riders before the final stage in Paris the following day. It will be interesting to see it all play out and I can’t wait until July.

If you are considering visiting France for a cycling holiday or to watch the Tour de France, be sure to check out the rest of the Seek Travel ride website. There is a wealth of information to help you plan your cycling holiday to France including lots of practical information , destination guides and travel information . Our Tour de France section includes a general guide to the race each year as well as tips for watching the event roadside.

A brief history of the mountains in the Tour de France

In most editions of the Tour de France, the mountain stages are where the race is won or lost. A single bad day for a rider in the mountains can see them lose minutes to rivals and an end to their title bid. On long mountain climbs, there is nowhere to hide and any little chinks in a rider’s armor are usually found. Over the years climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux, Col du Tourmalet, and Col d’Aubisque have become synonymous with the race.

The mountain stages are some of the most popular for people to watch the race and there are many iconic images of riders navigating a sea of spectators. It is estimated that many hundreds of thousands of fans line the mountain roads as they twist and turn their way to the summit. On rare occasions, fans get a little too close and bring a rider down.

First mountain stage in the Pyrenees

The mountains first entered the Tour de France in the 8th edition in 1910. In that year stage 10 started in the Pyrenean town of Bagneres de Luchon and climbed Col du Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, and Col d’Aubisque before finishing 326km later in Bayon. Octave Lapize finished the stage first in a time of 14hrs 10mins. No mean feat given that all the mountain passes were dirt roads back in those days and the bikes had nowhere near the range of gears modern bikes now have.

Inclusion of the French Alps

While the organizers deemed the addition of the mountains to be successful the riders were less impressed and there were protests in 1910 about the stage. Nevertheless, in 1911 the French Alps were added to the race with the inclusion of Col du Galibier, Col de Castillion, and Col de Braus. This was in addition to the stage in the Pyrenees.

Since those early days, both the Pyrenees and French Alps have featured in the race annually. In later years climbs in other regions such as the Jura, the Vosges, and the Massif Central have been added to the race. The Pyrenees and French Alps have generally taken turns in being featured in the all-important last week of the race.

Famous climbs and the 2023 Tour de France

There are a number of iconic climbs from the Tour de France that everyone loves seeing in the race. Unfortunately they don’t all make it in every year but we thought I would go through and let you know which ones made the 2023 race and which did not.

Climbs in the French Alps

Alpe d’Huez will not feature in the 2023 Tour de France and was last included in 2022.

Col du Galibier , like Alpe d’Huez featured in the 2022 Tour de France and will not be back in 2023.

Col d’Izoard has not been included in the Tour de France since 2019 and again misses out in the 2023 Tour de France.

Mont Ventoux was climbed twice in the 2021 Tour de France and is not included in the 2023 race.

Climbs in the Pyrenees

Col du Tourmalet , the most climbed mountain in Tour de France history, will once again feature in the 2023 Tour de France. It’s going to be a busy year for the mountains with 3 grand tours, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes and Vuelta a Espana, all using the mountain for stages.

The Col d’Aspin is also back for the 2023 Tour de France and will be the warm up act before the riders head up the Col du Tourmalet. It was also used in the 2022 Tour de France.

The Col d’Aubisqe last appeared in the 2022 Tour de France and is not included in the 2023 race.

2023 Tour de France climb stats

The 2023 Tour de France includes 10 stages with categorized climbs, four of which includes a summit finish; Stage 6 Cauterest-Cambasque, Stage 9 Puy de Dome, Stage 13 Grand Colombier, and Stage 15 Saint Gervais Mont Blanc. Stage 20, the second last stage, packs a punch with 5 categorized climbs. No doubt there will be plenty of tired legs come to this stage. The race in 2023 visits 5 of France’s mountain ranges, the Pyrenees, Massif Central, the Jura, the Alps, and the Vosges.

There are only 2 climbs over 2,000m in the 2023 Tour de France with the highest being Col de la Loze at 2,304m, followed by Col du Tourmalet at 2,115m. Col de la Loze is also the longest climb of the 2023 Tour de France at 28.4km in length. The shortest climb for this edition of the race is the first categorized climb, Côte de Pike, which averages 10% for 2km on stage 1.

ASO, who runs the Tour de France, has now released the full details of each stage. This includes maps, mountain categorisation and estimated time along the course. I have now updated the table to reflect this information and help you plan your own viewing of these mountain stages.

Categorization of Tour de France climbs

Each of the climbs is given a categorization which is an indication of the difficulty of the climb. Hors category (HC) are the toughest climbs followed by category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4. A category 1 climb will be harder than a category 3 climb so the lower the number the harder the climb. A climb can change categorization based on how far into a stage it might be. For example, a climb could be considered a category 2 climb if it comes early on in the stage when riders have fresh legs, or a category 1 climb if it comes towards the end.

The climb categorization also comes into play when awarding points in the Polka Dot jersey competition. For example on an HC climb the first rider over the top will be awarded 20 points while on a category 4 climb the first rider will be awarded 1 point. On an HC climb points are awarded for the first 8 riders while on a category 4 climb only the top rider receives any points. There is a sliding scale of points and positions between HC and category 4.

We can help plan your trip

Planning a holiday is always great fun but can also be quite time-consuming. As you research more and more you may find yourself with more questions than answers. We offer a range of services to assist people with planning their own cycling holiday to France, ranging from one-on-one calls to answer your questions to a full planning and itinerary service. You can find a rundown of the services we offer on our Travel Planner page.

We first visited France for a cycling holiday in 2013 and returned numerous times before moving here permanently in 2021. Over the years we have travelled by plane, train and hire car with our bikes and learned lots of lessons about visiting France generally as well as travelling around with a bike. We enjoy both road cycling and cycle touring and look forward to being able to help you plan that perfect trip.

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2022 Tour de France Mountains Preview - Let's Rank the Mountains

By _Will_  @cyclingalps on Jul 2, 2022, 4:45am EDT +

Col du Galibier will be climbed twice

Bonjour, bienvenue en France. La Grande Boucle is more of a half circle this year. With a start in Copenhagen, the peloton will then evacuate to Dunkerque and ride down the east side of France eventually reaching the Pyrénées mountains. Along the way, the route visits the five largest mountain ranges in France (Vosges, Juras, Alps, Massif Central, and Pyrénées).

There are six mountain stages. Vosges (1), Alps (3), Pyrénées (2). Five of these stages (arguably all six) are mountain-top finishes.

Strangely the ever present Col du Tourmalet is not in this year's Tour. But don't worry we have Alpe d'Huez for Jens and all the other fanboys. At 2 642 metres, Col du Galibier will be the highest point of the race. For our UK readers that is 8 668 feet. In fact both the north and the south side of Galibier will be climbed. It will be the first ascent (north side) when the Prix Henri Desgrange will be awarded to the first rider to reach the summit of the highest point of the race.

By my count there are 59 classified climbs:

hors categorie = 7 category 1 = 10 category 2 = 6 category 3 = 14 category 4 = 22

This will be a long article.

I’ll add pictures for those that hate reading. But below we will:

• Rank all the Hors Categorie, Cat 1, and Cat 2 climbs by difficulty
• Take a look at all six mountain stages.
• Give a few brief recommendations for visiting cyclo-tourists.
• Let you, dear readers , vote to decide the Queen Stage. Allons-y (let’s go)! Below are the statistics for the twenty-three Hors-Categorie, Category 1, and Category 2 climbs including a difficulty rating.

DIFFICULTY RATING METHODOLOGY - To rate the climbs I have used the difficulty index from www.climbbybike.com that we have used previously. I know, I know, it’s a slightly flawed formula. But it’s easy to calculate and useful as a starting point for discussion. I am using the official Tour de France lengths and average grades for each climb, so rankings may differ slightly with those at climbbybike.com.

According to our methodology Col du Granon is the toughest climb in the 2022 Tour de France. Surprisingly, this is only its second Tour appearance - in part because it is a dead-end at least as a paved road. Its first appearance in 1986 was the highest mountain-top finish in Tour de France history (2413m), now only surpassed by the 2011 mountain-top finish on Galibier (2642m).

Col du Granon

You will see Col du Granon referred to as "Col du Granon Serre Chevalier" in official Tour de France literature. This is just marketing. Serre Chevalier is a nearby ski station that is clearly paying some marketing €'s. There are no ski lifts nearby. Most of Serre Chevalier skiing is in the mountain massif across the valley from Granon

The eight toughest climbs appear in just three stage (11,12, 18), all with mountain top finishes. Keep this in mind when voting for the Queen stage.

You likely know that the Tour starts in Denmark. But did you also know that the peloton will visit another country? The 9th toughest climb (Col de la Croix) and the 20th toughest climb (Col des Mosses) are in Switzerland as our cycling overlords have organised Stage 9 starting from UCI headquarters in Aigle. The stage finishes in France after crossing the border at Pas de Morgins the 11th toughest climb.

Before we discuss the 6 official mountain stages, here are the same twenty-three climbs grouped by stage:

Let’s walk through the six mountain stages:

Stage 7: vosges mountains.

La Planche des Belles Filles is a small ski station in the Vosges. This is its 6th Tour debuting in 2012. I sometimes call it one of the least charming major climbs I know. It is quite contrived: an extremely steep, modern road without much view. But for a pro bike race? Fantastic. It is deviously evil. Ouch!

The name La Planche des Belle Filles comes from an episode in the 30 years war in 1635 when according to legend the young girls of a neighbouring village hid themselves up this mountain to escape the cruel Swedish mercenaries who were stationed nearby at Plancher-les-mines. To escape abuse and probable massacre they preferred to commit suicide by jumping from a plank into the black waters of a lake on the plateau. A wood statue by a local artist commemorates this legend.

"Super" was added to the name in 2019 when the "super" steep final ramp was extended moving the finish to an altitude of 1140m versus the previous 1035m. Chris Froome won the inaugural 2012 stage with a time 16'11" . My time was closer to Etienne's 43 minutes.

The final kilometre: Steep modern road.

Stage 9: Swiss Alps

This stage not only starts in Aigle, the UCI folks will also get to cheer the peloton when it passes them again 150 kms into the stage.

As the bottom of the chart above shows this stage is primarily in (the French-speaking) part of Switzerland or Suisse Romande. Not surprisingly, Col des Mosses and Col de la Croix often feature in the Tour de Romandie. But both cols have previously appeared in the Tour (Mosses 6 times, 1947 debut. Croix twice).

I endeavour to give you the best photographs of climbs I can. So ...... here is Col des Mosses:

My editor had demanded I do better. So here is a Col de la Croix several years ago freshly cleared of snow for a Romandie stage. Podium Cafe kit!!

Snow plough almost in view. High above nearby is glacier skiing at Diablerets ski station. It's a beautiful climb

Is this stage a mountain-top finish? Sort of. It climbs the 11th toughest climb, Pas de Morgins.This is the border between Switzerland and France - "Pas" is an old word occasionally used instead of col, for a mountain pass. The route briefly descends into France and then there is a brief, not too steep, uphill finish in Châtel.

The finish town is Châtel. Les Portes du Soleil is more Tour marketing. It is the name of a gigantic ski domain uniting 13 resorts some Swiss, some French (eg. Avoriaz and Morzine). Yes, you can ski between countries quite easily all day long without your passport.

For the Cyclo-tourists:

What's the steepest % grade sign I have ever seen while biking. Exactly on the France/Swiss border in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski domain is the Le Mur Suisse (The Swiss Wall), a famous ski piste.

I had cycled up on ski slopes on the French side and after checking my brakes decided 90% was too steep a descent for me. Châtel is in the distance, off to the left, out of the photo.

Stage 11: French Alps

What a stage! Wow.

As an appetiser stage 11 will start with a visit to the amazing Lacets de Montvernier.

For the cyclo-tourists : The only way without a helicopter or drone to get a clear view of the hairpins: A few hundred metres beyond the summit on right is a trail through a farm road that leads to cliff look-out:

Next, the stage climbs the legendary north side of Col du Galibier via Col du Télégraphe.

Just off the main road at Col du Télégraphe is the Fort du Télégraphe perched on a cliff overlooking the valley below.

Fort du Télégraphe "previously accommodated a telegraph of the Chappe system using articulating arms to send messages between Lyon and Milan, and after 1809, Venice."

Often when climbing Galibier there will be strange straw art. I'll avoid posting the bizarre nude stuff and just post this excellent polka-dot cyclist exactly at the summit of Télégraphe.

The first ascension of Galibier in the Tour was the year following the 1910 high mountain experiment in the Pyrénées. Think Tourmalet, Aubisque, "assassins," etc. But Galibier was an order of magnitude bigger – a half vertical kilometre higher than Tourmalet.

Years ago I wrote an article "Col du Galibier - A Brief History" - see here .

Oh ! Sappey ! Oh ! Laffrey ! Oh ! Col Bayard ! Oh ! Tourmalet ! je ne faillirai pas à mon devoir en proclamant qu’à côté du Galibier vous êtes de la pâle et vulgaire bibine : devant ce géant, il n’y a plus qu’à tirer son bonnet et à saluer bien bas !" Translation: A list of famous mountain passes then " I will not fail in my work in proclaiming that beside Galibier you are but pale and vulgar beers. There is nothing more to do but tip your hat and salute from well below!" Henri Desgranges 1911 – Tour Director and publicist extraordinaire

Galibier is beautiful, epic, amazing. The col is named after the mountain peak in the centre of this photo: Le Grand Galibier (the col is 6 kilometres higher up to the right).

Our boy Jens (!!) in Podium Café kit climbing Galibier north side:

A kilometre down the far (south) side of Galibier the peloton will pass the Henri Desgranges monument. Oh, yes, there is a Galibier brand beer brewed in Valloire on the north side, Cheers!

Finally, the stage will climb Col du Granon. Steep, not easy:

I believe this will be the 3rd highest stage finish in TOUR history after Granon in 1986 and Galibier in 2011. The Spanish rider Eduardo Chozas won the 1986 Granon stage. I believe the main road was constructed to serve some military positions built in the 1930s. But there is nothing at the top now and it is apparently a popular place for local star-gazing groups. In other words it gets very dark, no light pollution.

For the Cyclo-tourists

The paved road ends exactly at Col du Granon but there are trails and superb gravel routes that lead to a bunch of higher cols and two well preserved old forts from the 19th century. Here is a link to a map and report visiting the two forts and five gravel cols.

(in photo below you can see some of the Serre Chevalier ski slopes across the valley)

Stage 12: French Alps

Another truly gigantic and beautiful stage, and also Alpe d'Huez.

The stage begins by climbing the south side of Galibier. The early part of the climb is on a not-too-steep busy-ish through road to Bourg d'Oisans but at Col du Lautaret, the route turns right and gets steeper and more interesting. The next 8 kms are superb.

From the same 12% sign - just a few metres from the col - are great views of the climb below:

I watched the 2008 Tour up here disguised as Lance Armstrong. Sorry!

Tip : The little flat area at the summit will probably be closed to fans as it was in 2008. And the gendarmes won't appreciate "people" taking photos there. Sorry!

After summiting Galibier, the route descends the same north side that they climbed on the previous stage. A few kilometres down they will pass the Marco Pantini monument, commemorating the Italian cyclist for his epic stage victory in the 1998 Tour finishing up Les Deux Alpes (which included Galibier).

I can't imagine how fast the peloton will descend the 35 kms from the Galibier summit to the base of Télégraphe, but yikes. They will then glide through the Maurienne valley and begin the ascent of Col de la Croix de Fer.

This is a long, gigantic climb.

The final six kilometres of the climb are pure hairpin heaven. I can't wait to see the helicopter shots.

Tip: The French TV coverage will certainly point out the distinctive three peaks named Les Aiguilles d'Arve (below). Scream at your TV if your broadcasters don't know its name when the helicopters show them.

From the summit is another gigantic and generally not-technical 30 kilometre descent. At this point you can turn off the TV and go for a ride because the only thing remaining ......... is ALPE d'HUEZ and its 21 hairpins.

Tip : The hairpins count down as you climb. So the first hairpin is #21, Each hairpin has a sign with its number and the name of a stage winner (or two). The Italian legend Fausto Coppi won the first Tour stage here in 1952. And then some other fella. Also, remember, despite some bars/restaurants drawing lines on the road as you approach the village, the official finish line is through town.

Note, Podium Cafe was once many years ago painted on these hallowed hairpins. But someone defaced it!

I'll let you guys discuss in the comments who you think will win atop this legendary climb. As you know, I know nothing about pro cycling.

1. Did you know the old road up the south side of Col du Galibier still exists? First built in the 1880’s, this was the only way up the south side until 1938. As best I can tell it was abandoned/closed in 1947. This means that between 1911 and 1938 the Tour de France would have climbed or descended this road over twenty times. It is far to the east of the modern road and except near the beginning the two routes don’t intersect until the top near the Desgranges monument at the entrance of the tunnel (2556 metres). Here is a blog post where I cycled from Briançon to Galibier using this old road.

2. Exactly at the Col de la Croix de Fer summit, behind the col sign begins a little gravel road that goes far higher to a couple of alpine lakes and the Glacier de St. Sorlin. Truly spectacular. Details in this link.

3. I'll keep my Alpe d'Huez tip simple. After a victory photo at the top. Keep going. One can follow the paved road higher for 4 kilometres past Col de Poutran and reach Lac de Besson and Lac de Noir. Simple, quiet, and beautiful.

Stage 17: The Pyrénées

The very pretty Col d'Aspin has been in the Tour somewhere around 70 times, often used as a link between Tourmalet and Peyresourde. Hourquette d'Ancizan only made its Tour debut in 2012 as a sort of Aspin alternative. But now they are combined.

In between Aspin and Ancizan is the road that leads to St. Marie-de-Campan and Tourmalet. I am betting 10 beers that some announcer will still find a way to tell the Eugène Christophe forge story even without Tourmalet appearing in this year's Tour. Drink!

This is a scenic, medium difficulty stage.

Hmm, do I have anything interesting or original to add. OK, I promise that people will confirm this as absolutely true:

Col d'Aspin is a cow col.

Hourquette d'Ancizan is a donkey col. I promise, but sorry I don't have a donkey photo. But it's a scenic, peaceful road.

Col de Val Louron-Azet is formerly Col d'Azet but it was renamed because of the nearby Val Louron ski station. It is a cow col.

I've never ridden to the final climb at Peyragudes ski station, so please post a comment of you know its animal. Marmotte? :-)

Stage 19: The Pyrénées

This final mountain stage could decide the entire 2022 Tour de France with a challenging final climb up to Hautacam ski station. It's also a beautiful stage.

After an easy start the stage will attack the legendary Col d'Aubisque from the west side. The top of the descent is the famous cliff stretch of the Cirque du Litor.

Aubisque is a cow col. I once saw a dead cow a couple of kms from summit that had just fallen from above. I will NOT post the photo. So sad. But here's the toll collector for the Cirque du Litor.

The descent will pass Col du Soulor .... a sheep col.

The route will descend the less often used north side of Soulor. The views of this descent from Cirque du Litor are great. This will be another very good "helicopter" stage.

Amazingly, 2022 will be the Tour de France debut for Col de Spandelles. Wow. I will wager it has nice new tarmac as a reward. It's a fun, quiet climb, mostly forested on the descent side but very scenic on the side the Tour will climb.

Tip : Avoid the start town Lourdes. Although the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is interesting. The town is unbelievably touristy tacky. It receives several million tourists every year and has more hotels per square kilometre than anywhere in France except Paris. The good cycling is further into the mountains.

Finally, the stage will climb Hautacam. Occasionally very steep, this will be a tough finish to the final mountain stage of the Tour.

This will be the 6th Tour appearance for Hautacam. the first was in 1994 (Luc Leblanc). It is always a mountain-top finish as not a through road - although (cyclo-tourists please note) the paved road does continue 1.2 kilometres higher to Col de Tramassel. Hautacam is a horse climb:

When I visited Hautacam a house near the start of the climb has some wonderful artwork. Virenque gained weight after retiring?

Hautacam starts in a long valley that is at the base of so many brilliant cycling climbs: Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aubisque/Soulor, Spandelles, etc. And less well known, well down to the south are two truly stunning and very high paved climbs both over 2000 metres that cyclo-tourists seem to ignore.

Col des Tentes (2207m) is a hundred metres higher than Tourmalet and Cirque de Troumouse is just a touch lower. Highly, highly recommended.

Col des Tentes:

Cirque de Troumouse:

Cirque de Troumouse is a cow climb:

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, I have given a useful overview of the 6 mountain stages. I apologise for offering no insight as to which riders will enjoy these stages. I have no idea. But I have faith in you that you can use the comments to discuss,

Hmm, apparently I can no longer add polls. So please also use the comments to vote on which stage is the queen stage. I think there are only three possibilities. Either of the Galibier stages or the final Hautacam stage.

I hope you aren't angry with me but instead now proud experts of which animal belongs to the various Pyrénées climbs. So as a final note: not only is Col des Tentes a cow climb, the cow second from left is giving birth.

Thanks for reading,

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The 30 Greatest Moments in Tour de France History

The most memorable scenes from cycling’s premier event.

1905 – The First Climb

The first two editions of the Tour de France were primarily flat affairs. So in an attempt to make the race more exciting, organizers introduced the Tour’s first major climb, the Ballon d’Alsace, in 1905. Riders were allowed to change their fixed-gear bikes at the base and again at the summit so they had appropriate gearing for the climb and descent. France’s René Pottier reached the top first, making him the first (albeit unofficial) King of the Mountains in Tour history.

1910 – The Circle of Death

Inspired by the success of the Ballon d’Alsace, the Tour started including even higher summits. After a reconnaissance trip to the Pyrenees, it was decided that the 1910 edition would include a mountain stage of 326K sending the riders over the Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, and Aubisque—four summits later known as the “Circle of Death.” (This is perhaps because while walking his bike up the Tourmalet, eventual 1910 winner Octave Lapize shouted “You are assassins, yes, assassins!” at the organizers.) More than 100 years later, these climbs still strike fear into the hearts of Tour competitors.

1919 – The First Yellow Jersey

What would the Tour be without the yellow jersey ? Midway through the 1919 race, organizers heeded to pressure from the press to make the race leader more visible. Fittingly, they chose yellow as the distinctive jersey’s color, a nod to French newspaper and then-Tour owner L’Auto . The first jersey went to Eugene Christophe, one of the top riders of his generation.

Related: Watch How the Tour’s Yellow Jerseys Get Made So Quickly

1934 – Vietto's Great Sacrifice

Bicycle racing is nothing without sacrifice, and in 1934 Rene Vietto set the standard in an incomparable beau geste . Starting as a support rider for the legendary Antonin Magne, Vietto proved to be the revelation that year. Easily the best climber in the field, Vietto won four stages and rivaled Magne, who dealt with mechanical problems throughout the race. When Magne crashed on the descent of the Portet d’Aspet, his chances to win a second Tour (after his first victory in 1931) seemed slim. But once again, the 20-year old Vietto came to the rescue. Doubling back from the break, Vietto climbed up again to give Magne his front wheel. He then sat on the stone fence, waiting for the support car to finally arrive—and cried, knowing his own Tour chances were over.

1934 – The First Time Trial

On July 27, 1934, organizers introduced a new kind of stage, one that has shaped the outcome of just about every Tour since: the individual time trial (ITT). Team time trials had been a race fixture since the 1920s, but ITTs were too hard to run due to the sheer number of vehicles needed. So the Tour saved its first ITT for the penultimate day of the 1934 edition, after much of the field had dropped out or been eliminated. At 90K, it was incredibly long by modern standards, but given the frequency of 300K-plus stages back then, it probably felt just right to riders at the time.

1949 – The Coppi-Bartali Duel

Cycling is all about competition and camaraderie, defined best by Italians Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi in the 1949 Tour. The aging Bartali was the reigning champion, but Coppi was the rising star, having just won Milano-San Remo and the Giro d’Italia. For much of the race Coppi appeared jinxed, losing nearly half an hour to crashes and mechanical mishaps. But he showed his superior climbing in the Alps. On an epic stage to Briançon, the duo charged away on an early climb. But on the final Izoard ascent, Bartali began to struggle. Finally Coppi said, “Now Gino, I’m going.” But Bartali pleaded, “Let’s finish together... Let me win the stage. Tomorrow you will win the Tour.”

1955 – Louison Bobet on Mont Ventoux

At the peak of his career, popular French rider Louison Bobet sealed his legacy with a memorable solo ride over the infamous Mont Ventoux . Attacking with Charly Gaul in the final kilometers, Bobet then soloed to victory. Winning the stage in Carpentras, he would exchange his rainbow world champion’s jersey for yellow, assuring his third Tour de France victory.

1956 – Unknown Roger Walkowiak

Unknowns rarely win the Tour de France. Three weeks is just too long for an unheralded rider to sustain any flashes of brilliance. But in 1956, Roger Walkowiak surprised just about everyone as he stole the headlines, not to mention the yellow jersey, from the top favorites. Attacks were nonstop throughout the ’56 Tour as the major national teams failed to control the race. Without fanfare, and without winning a stage, “Walko” nonetheless rode consistently. Once he grabbed the lead, he held up under pressure to take it all the way to Paris. Many disregarded his victory, and in fact he would never win again. But for three weeks in July he racked up a historic win for the little guy.

1958 – Charly Gaul Breaks Away

Ever since Ottavio Bottecchia won in 1924, a pure climber had been unable to ride home in yellow. But Luxembourgish rider Charly Gaul turned the situation around in the final days of the 1958 Tour. Known as the “Angel of the Mountain,” Gaul won a stage on Mont Ventoux but only grabbed the lead on the final day of climbing in the Alps. Attacking in the Chartreuse Mountains, he soloed to victory in Aix-les-Bains, leaving Frenchman Raphael Geminiani and his yellow jersey well behind.

1961 – Anquetil Leads From Wire to Wire

Heading into the 1961 Tour, Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil, who first won in 1957, boasted that he would take the yellow jersey on the opening day and keep it all the way to Paris. It was a bold prediction, as Charly Gaul, winner of the 1958 Tour, was racing that year as well. But Anquetil stood by his word, dominating the afternoon time trial on the first day and defending his lead throughout the rest of the race. He went on to win the next three Tours to become the race’s first five-time winner.

1964 – Anquetil and Poulidor Duel on Puy de Dôme

For years Raymond Poulidor was Anquetil’s greatest rival, and in 1964 he narrowly missed his best chance to seize victory from the defending champion. The final climbing stage that year took on the Puy-de-Dôme volcano in central France. At the base, Anquetil held a 56-second lead on Poulidor and knew his rival would attack. With each acceleration, Anquetil marked Poulidor as the two rode shoulder to shoulder up the narrow, fan-packed road. Finally, Poulidor broke free in the last 1,500 meters and gained ground with each pedal stroke. Delirious, Anquetil forged on, trying to cut his losses. At the finish he maintained a 14-second lead. Days later he would become the first five-time Tour winner, and Poulidor would never even wear the yellow jersey.

1969 – Merckx Raids the Pyrenees

Eddy Merckx entered his first Tour de France in 1969 with a chip on his shoulder after being thrown out of the Giro d’Italia for a positive drug test that he still swears was rigged. But by the end of the first day he had the yellow jersey, and when the race hit the Pyrenees two weeks later he had a lead approaching eight minutes. On Stage 17 riders faced the Circle of Death, and when Merckx attacked on the Tourmalet 140K from the finish line in Luchon, his competition thought he was just stretching his legs. But Merckx persisted alone, descending the Tourmalet, climbing and descending the Aubisque, and then cruising over the rolling roads to the finish. He won the stage by nearly eight minutes, doubling his overall lead. It was one of greatest days in the career of cycling’s greatest athlete.

1971 – Ocana Defies Merckx

Ever since his overwhelming first Tour victory, Merckx looked untouchable. But in 1971 he found a real challenger in Spaniard Luis Ocana. When Ocana attacked early on the mountain stage to Orcieres-Merlette, Merckx could not respond. Throughout the 77K solo breakaway, Ocana continued to take time out of the two-time champion, grabbing a nearly 10-minute advantage and the yellow jersey at the finish. Merckx, it seemed, had finally met his match. But soon he regained his lead in the Pyrenees, when Ocana crashed out of the race. Ocana, however, would finally win his Tour in 1973, the one year Merckx did not enter.

1975 – Thévenet Breaks Merckx

For most, it’s a sleepy ski resort in the Alps. But for cycling fans, Pra-Loup remains a monument, for it was here where Merckx wore yellow for the last time. The greatest rider of all time seemed primed for a record-setting sixth Tour victory. All day long, he exchanged attacks with up-and-coming Frenchman Bernard Thévenet. On the final climb to Pra-Loup, Merckx bolted away. Soon, however, his pedal stroke stiffened and the Cannibal ran out of gas. Without hesitating, Thévenet counterattacked, catching and dropping Merckx. He then grabbed three minutes on Merckx in the final 6K and went on to win his first of two Tours de France.

1975 – The First Champs-Élysées Finish

What would the Tour de France be without its famous ending on the Champs-Élysées? For decades, in fact, there was no such fanfare at the finish. But in 1975, organizers reached an agreement with Paris to host the final stage in the heart of the city, a sign that the race had finally become a landmark of its own. Belgian sprinter Walter Godefroot won the first mass finish, while Thévenet won the race and a new Tour tradition was born.

1978 – Bernard Hinault Leads Rider Protest

He may have been a Tour rookie, but Bernard Hinault was already the boss. Not only did he win the first Tour de France he entered, but “The Badger” already held the respect of the entire peloton. He showed it on a stage between Tarbes and Valence d’Agen, when he led riders in protest against the growing number of long transfers and early starts. It seemed only fitting when he finally took the yellow jersey and won the race.

1986 – Slaying the Badger

After Greg LeMond helped his teammate Hinault win a fifth Tour title in 1985, the Frenchman promised the American that he would return the favor in 1986. Well, promises are made to be broken, and Hinault fought LeMond tenaciously before the latter finally took the lead on Stage 17. The next day, the two teammates dropped everyone on Alpe d’Huez, with Hinault winning the stage and LeMond adding to his overall lead. It looked like a truce had been declared, but Hinault told a journalist after the stage that the Tour “wasn’t finished.” Despite Hinault’s best efforts, though, LeMond held on to win his first Tour.

1989 – LeMond’s Eight Seconds

Two years after nearly dying in a hunting accident, LeMond returned to the Tour to face two-time champion Laurent Fignon. The pair exchanged yellow four times throughout the race, with Fignon wearing it heading into the final stage: an individual time trial in downtown Paris. Fignon held a 50-second lead over the American at the day’s start, but LeMond got the better of him, beating Fignon by 58 seconds while winning the stage—and the overall field. LeMond’s eight-second margin of victory remains the slimmest in Tour history.

1990 – Claudio Chiappucci Almost Steals The Win

Four riders grabbed a 10-minute lead on the first stage of the 1990 Tour. But it was the least-known among them, Italian Claudio Chiappucci, who nearly stole the race. With the yellow jersey on his shoulders, he maintained a seven-minute lead over defending champion LeMond exiting the Alps. He kept it until the last time trial in Lac de Vassiviere, when LeMond finally overcame the surprise upstart to win a third Tour. Chiappucci’s tenure in yellow, however, made him one of the most popular riders of his generation.

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Tour de France 2021: 5 key stages

An in-depth look at the critical junctures of the yellow jersey battle

The 2021 Tour de France has a classic look to it, its first week featuring several stages for the sprinters as well as an individual time trial, the final week packed with challenging mountain tests in the Pyrenees that will sort out the contenders for the yellow jersey, which will be decided in a second time trial on the penultimate day. 

With the start of the race in Brest now under a week away, we analyse the five most critical stages in the GC battle.

Stage 9: Cluses – Tignes, 145km

Unlike this year's race, which sought out the high mountains right from the start, the 2021 edition has a much more traditional parcours . During the opening week, there are stages that will favour the puncheurs , four that will suit the sprinters, and the first of two mid-length time trials.

Speaking during the presentation of the route on French TV’s Stade 2 , Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme evoked the possibility of the elements, and particularly the wind, being a complicating factor, especially on the four stages that comprise the Breton Grand Départ. However, as the opening week of the 2018 race showed, if the wind doesn’t blow, these stages could be quite dull with regard to the GC battle.

This should change, though, when the race reaches the Alps, where there are two punchy stages on the menu. The second of them, on the eve of the first rest day, looks particularly testing, with five climbs crammed into 145km, the final one to the first of the Tour’s three summit finishes.

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The first climbing test is the Côte de Domancy, the foundation of Bernard Hinault's legendary World Championship success in 1980. The next is the Col des Saisies, which is followed by a long drop to Beaufort, and consecutive ascents, first to the Col du Pré and, soon after, to the beautiful Cormet de Roselend. After another long descent, to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the riders will start the 21-kilometre ascent to Tignes, which missed out on its stage finish in 2019 due to landslides during a violent mountain storm.

The critical section of this long ascent arrives at the village of Les Brevières, where the road rears up steeply to climb the rockface next to the Chevril dam for two kilometres. Reaching the top of the dam, the road rises much more steadily for another 7km to the line, but altitude could tug at the resources of some of the GC contenders, the finish standing at 2,113 metres.

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Stage 11: Sorgues – Malaucène, 199km

Mont Ventoux returns to the Tour route for the first time since 2016, when a fearsome Mistral wind barrelling across 'the bald mountain' forced the shortening of the stage and, ultimately, saw race leader Chris Froome running towards the finish after his bike had been damaged in a collision with a motorbike.

Prudhomme and Tour route director Thierry Gouvenou have decided against a summit finish, this decision partly down to a realisation that these high-altitude finales can often neutralise the racing between the GC contenders until the final few kilometres. But the pair also wanted to serve up a Ventoux stage with a difference, and they’ve achieved that objective by proposing the first-ever double ascent of this iconic and infamous peak.

Beginning in Sorgues, just to the north of Avignon, the stage tracks eastwards to Apt, turning northwards there to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and the 9.3km ascent of the Col de la Liguière. Beyond it is the small town of Sault, the start of the longest but by far the easiest of the three roads accessing the top of the Ventoux. Winding through forest, the gradient barely touches 6 per cent over the 18km to Chalet Reynard, where the road meets the much steeper one coming up from Bédoin.

The gradient is much more severe over the final 6km to the summit, from which the riders will drop down the western flank of the mountain. Passing the little ski resort of Mont Serein, where Cadel Evans won a rare stage to climb from the west during the 2008 edition of Paris-Nice, this descent is extremely fast. 1966 Tour winner Lucien Aimar has said the police motorbike following him down this road in the 1967 clocked 140km/h on one section.

After passing through the finish in Malaucène for the first time, the route bumps around the base of the Ventoux to reach Bédoin for the classic ascent, which averages close to 9 per cent for 15.7km. Reaching the summit, the riders will, for the first time since 1994, continue down the rapid descent into Malaucène once again to finish.

Stage 15: Céret – Andorra la Vella, 192km

As the Tour moves westwards across southern France from the Alps to the Pyrenees, the wind could very well come into play on the stage between Nîmes and Carcassonne. Two days on from that intriguing test, the battle to decide the yellow jersey in the Pyrenees will intensify as the race heads for the mountain principality of Andorra, its only departure from France during the 2021 edition.

The first three-quarters of the stage takes place in Pyrénées-Orientales, initially bumping through oak-clad hills from the Tech valley to the Têt and then climbing steadily through the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Park to the Montée de Mont-Louis, beyond which the road continues to rise to Font-Romeu, the site of France’s elite high-altitude training centre. From there, the route descends right to the Spanish border, then turns north-west towards the Col de Puymorens.

This pass is the stepping stone to the 'roof' of the Tour, the riders dropping briefly away from it and then climbing again into Andorra and up to the Port d’Envalira, which tops out at 2,408m. A long, sometimes fast, but mostly straightforward descent will take the race into the heart of the little mountain territory, for the final test, the Collada de Beixalis.

Many of the riders in the bunch will know this climb well from training rides around their homes in Andorra, and many others will have tackled it in the Vuelta a España, most recently in 2018, when it featured twice on the penultimate stage, when Simon Yates sealed overall victory. At 6.4km, it’s not very long. It is, though, very irregular, with some very steep ramps that will provide the best climbers with a launch-pad for attacks.

The descent is technical initially as the road zigzags down to Anyós, then straighter and very fast on the final drop into the finish in the country’s capital, Andorra la Vella, where the group of GC favourites is likely to have been slimmed down to include just those with a realistic chance of victory in Paris. 

Stage 17: Muret – Saint-Lary-Soulan Col du Portet, 178km

Bastille Day brings the return of the Col du Portet, first tackled in 2018 at the end of a 65km stage that began with the riders on an F1-style grid, Nairo Quintana the eventual victor as Geraint Thomas tightened his grip on the yellow jersey.

The day gets under way in Muret, just to the south of Toulouse, the riders staying in the valleys for more than 100km until Bagnères-de-Luchon, the start town for that short 2018 stage. The recreation of that day begins with the ascent of the Col de Peyresourde, where Tadej Pogačar recouped some of the ground that he had lost to his GC rivals in the cross-winds the day before in this year’s race. As on that stage, which was won by AG2R La Mondiale's Nans Peters, the riders will drop rapidly from the Peyresourde into the lakeside town of Loudenvielle and, not far beyond, the opening ramps of the Col d’Azet.

Although little more than half the length of the Peyresourde, the Azet is a good deal steeper, averaging 8.3 per cent as it rises through thick woodland initially to reach open pasture higher up, close to the small Val Louron ski station. Another fast and sometimes technical descent follows to reach Saint-Lary-Soulan. 

The riders will barely have time to catch breath before they’re climbing again, this time on the final test, by some distance the toughest of the day’s trio of mountains. Averaging 8.7 per cent for 16km, the climb to the Portet comes in two halves, both almost incessantly unrelenting in their difficulty. The first of them ascends to Espiaube, the gradient averaging more than 9 per cent and significantly above that on the long, straight rise from the valley floor to the first hairpin, where a plaque marks the point where Raymond Poulidor attacked and dropped Eddy Merckx on his way to victory at Pla d’Adet in the 1974 Tour.

At Espiaube, rather than kicking left to that ski resort, the riders will veer right towards the Portet, reaching its opening pitches very soon after. Weaving frenetically, the gradient changes constantly, sometimes dropping briefly to 5 per cent, the slope then jagging up to three times that figure the next moment. It’s almost impossible to maintain a rhythm, making it ideal terrain for pure climbers like Quintana and Dan Martin, the runner-up to the Colombian in 2018. As it turns to run more directly towards the summit, the road climbs to and then well above 2,000 metres, the gaps likely to be substantial between the favourites at this the second of the three high-altitude finishes.

Stage 18: Pau – Luz Ardiden, 130km

The day after the second summit finish on the Col du Portet comes the third, the Tour returning to Luz-Ardiden for the first time since 2011, when Samuel Sánchez won a stage that is best remembered for Thomas Voeckler's courageous defence of the yellow jersey. Like the Portet stage, this one commences with a long run through the valleys from the start in Pau to reach Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, at the foot of the eastern flank of the Col du Tourmalet.

Averaging 7.3 per cent for 17.1km, this is arguably – although it’s very hotly debated – the easier side of the Tour’s favourite pass, the gradient negligible for the first handful of kilometres. However, above Artigues, with 10km remaining to the top, the climb bares its teeth, the road steepening on the approach to La Mongie, then even more as it clambers through the ski resort to reach the final few kilometres up to the famous summit.

The descent is fast on a well-surfaced and, for the most part, wide road that will send the riders hurtling down through Barèges to Luz-Saint-Sauveur in the valley bottom. A short, sharp ramp will lead them to the spectacular span of the Pont Napoléon and, moments later, the start of the final climb.

A little like the Tourmalet, the ascent to Luz-Ardiden begins comparatively tamely. Yet, after a couple of kilometres it begins to ascend more steeply, particularly as it passes through the picture-postcard village of Grust, where an extended stretch of hairpins begins. In a similar way to Alpe d’Huez, these are very flat on the apex of the corners and the ramps between them are steep, which can break the rhythm of grimpeurs-rouleurs such as Geraint Thomas and Tom Dumoulin and, as a result, give the pure climbers a useful edge.

Emerging above the tree line, the huge banks between the switchbacks make for a spectacular natural arena, with fans able to see a considerable distance down the climb, which tops out next to the ski station at 1,720m. Taking into account the accumulated fatigue and the amount and difficulty of the climbing in the second half of this stage, the gaps between the favourites should be significant.

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Peter Cossins has written about professional cycling since 1993 and is a contributing editor to Procycling . He is the author of The Monuments: The Grit and the Glory of Cycling's Greatest One-Day Races (Bloomsbury, March 2014) and has translated Christophe Bassons' autobiography, A Clean Break (Bloomsbury, July 2014). 

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Tour de France 2023: Gruelling mountain stages on the menu, just one time trial as route revealed

Updated 27/10/2022 at 14:18 GMT

The peloton are set to explore all five of France’s mountain ranges at the 2023 Tour de France following the unveiling of the route at a presentation in Paris. The 21 stages were announced with eight set to take place in the mountains. The next edition of the Grand Tour begins in Bilbao, Spain and ends, as is tradition, in Paris. The Tour de France 2023 runs from July 1 to July 23.

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The 5 best tour de france stage cities, tour de hoody: the annual 'big loop' takes in the hidden corners of france, and these are stage cities everyone wants to return to..

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The recent confirmation that Nice will play host to the final finish line of the 2024 Tour de France is a first in race history.

Paris and its nearby suburbs have played host to the race finale every year since the inaugural edition in 1903.

Across the historical arc of the Tour’s history, some cities and towns have played host to Tour stages again and again. Yet every year, there will be a hamlet or a summit finale that the Tour’s never reached.

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Some are better than can be imaged, some never want to be seen again.

The Tour presentation every October comes with drama and surprise of where the Tour will be going.

For everyone inside the Tour de France roving caravan, there are a few choice spots that they love to return to year after year.

Here are five of my favorite stops of the Tour de France itinerary:

Bourg d’Oisans, gateway to Alpe d’Huez

Perhaps no town on the Tour de France itinerary pumps as loud and raucous as this hamlet perched at the base of Alpe d’Huez.

Most of the year, the village is a byway between skiers or cyclists heading up the Alpe for downhill fun or uphill suffering. Come Tour time, and the town is overflowing with cycling fans from all over the world.

There are a few choice hotels in town — book early if you want to get a room — plus a couples of top brasserie that are overloaded on race day. An estimated 500,000 fans will pile onto the famed 21 lacets on the Alpe, and almost everyone comes through Bourg d’Oisans.

The party starts the night before and rocks all the way through the stage and beyond.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alpe d'Huez (@alpedhuez)

The town warrants more than a stopover, and there are three campgrounds at the foot of the Alpe d’Huez climb that are an ideal base to spend a few days riding the nearby climbs. The places are chock full of bike geeks, with a pool, bar, and a pizzeria to recharge the carbs for the next day’s ride.

It’s a great place to be based for a Tour trip, especially to take in the epic climbs and catch a few nearby stages, before culminating with Alpe d’Huez.

Montpellier, coolest town off the tourist circuit

France’s Languedoc region has a long history with the Tour de France.  The very first Tour went through the region in one of the long-distance inaugural stages that ran 423km from Marseilles to Toulouse.

These days, stages are typically half that distance, and Languedoc-Roussillon — now part of the sprawling French department of Occitanie — sees Tour stages almost every year.

12 years between those 2 South African stage winners ! 2007 Tour de France (Montpellier): Robert Hunter 🇿🇦 2019 Tour de France (Brioude): Daryl Impey 🇿🇦 📷1 AFP / Dominique Faget 📷2 L’Equipe #Tdf #TDF2019 #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/oH7vD0ctz9 — Miroir du Cyclisme 🇺🇦 (@Miroir2Cyclisme) July 14, 2019

My favorite stop in the region is Montpellier, the thriving regional capital that is packed with university students, and a fully intact Medieval city center that’s heaving with bars, terraces, and great restaurants.

The region extends across southern France, from the Rhone Valley down to the Pyrénées bordering Spain.  What is lacks in big mountains — Mont Ventoux is on one side and the Tourmalet on the other — it makes up for in very interesting terrain.

Montpellier is one of those authentic European cities that might not draw a lot of tourists, like the nearby Avignon or Nîmes, but it’s exactly for that reason that it’s a great place to settle in for a few days while chasing the Tour de France.

It’s usually stinking hot in the middle of July, so it’s a late-night city where the restaurants stay open until midnight, and the bars even later. A chilled bottle of the local Languedoc rosé is the perfect tonic to take the edge off the heat.

Pau, gateway to the Pyrénées

Something always happens in Pau.

Some of the Tour’s most controversial and dramatic moments have happened in and around Pau. The Michael Rasmussen disqualification or Lance Armstrong’s famous standoff with journalists all happened inside the Pau conference center that also plays home to the press room.

Pau is often the host of the Tour’s rest day, so journalists know to book a room early, or they will get stuck in that hotel blackhole otherwise known at Lourdes.

Pau is a lovely city perched above the Ousse River. A string of brasseries and pubs serve up delicious views of the Pyrénées blocking the horizon. The local delicacy is the tangy confit de canard , served up steaming hot on the restaurants lining the Place Clemenceau.

Tour officials recently unveiled a statuary park celebrating all the Tour de France winners with plaques and historical markers. Pau is a top spot to visit some nearby stages and tackle some of the famous cols in the Pyrénées.

Bordeaux, a sprinter’s paradise

Wine and Bordeaux are synonymous, and so too are Bordeaux and the Tour de France.

Bordeaux has been a fixture on the Tour de France since hosting one of the original stages in the first Tour in 1903. Stage 4 that year ran 268km from Toulouse to Bordeaux in what was the shortest stage of the inaugural Tour.  The next stage ran 425km from Bordeaux to Nantes.

The Tour kept coming back, with 80 stage starts or finishes across the decades.

As the city blossomed, locals and politicians were not so keen to see the city paralyzed for an entire day by the arrival of the race.

For 2023, the Tour returns to Bordeaux for the first time in 13 years, though it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. The finish is always known as a “sprinter’s stage,” and the usually flat terrain in the approaches to the city rarely see the script finish differently.

Davis Phinney won a stage there in 1987, and Mark Cavendish was the last winner in 2010.

Of course, it’s the wine, cuisine, architecture, and thriving terraces that make the city a favorite inside the Tour caravan.

Paris, city of lights

There is only one Paris, and if you had to limit your Tour de France bucket list to one stop, the City of Lights wouldn’t be a bad call.

The finishing straight on the Champs-Élysées is arguably sport’s most dramatic finish line. The color and pageantry of the Tour come to an apex on France’s most famous stretch of cobbles (sorry Paris-Roubaix fans).

And if you’ve taken a city bike down the Champs-Élysées you will have new respect for what the peloton has to face on these slick, urban cobbles after three weeks of brutal racing.

Some fans don’t like the final-day parade and sprint down the Champs, but for me, it’s the perfect end to any edition of the Tour. The late start, the early stage hijinks, and then the tidy but hard-fought final sprint for me is the perfect finishing note to a Tour.

A time trial finish just doesn’t pack the same drama. Sure, there’s the famous stage of Greg LeMond beating back Laurent Fignon and his wind-dragging mullet, but that happened once in the Tour 100-year-plus history. Time trials are snoozers for everyone except for the one or two riders who might win the stage and the other two or three who might see their GC positions change.

For everyone else, it’s a rest day.

Now, if the 2024 final time trial finished atop Col d’Eze above Nice, that would be something I’d love to see.

But if you want that perfect Instagram moment, the Tour finale on the Champs-Élysées is hard to beat. And the after-race parties are something off-the-charts.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tour de France™ (@letourdefrance)

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